Federal employees, union leaders, and allies gathered outside the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to protest a proposed 25% cut to NASA’s budget, which could lead to thousands of layoffs. The administration’s plan is part of a broader effort to dismantle the federal workforce and shift public science into private enterprise.
According to AFGE National President Everett Kelley, the cuts would “rip out the heart” of NASA by driving away highly skilled employees, including engineers, scientists, and safety inspectors. The proposals also target key NASA missions, including Earth-monitoring satellites, space telescopes, and planetary exploration efforts.
The scale and speed of the cuts have raised concerns across the scientific community, with nearly 300 current and former NASA employees signing a statement warning that the agency’s new “culture of silence and compliance” is undermining safety. Kelley expressed full support for the employees speaking out, calling it their fight and a fight for public service.
The broader goal is to preserve a vision of space exploration grounded in the public good, rather than privatization. Unions are urging Congress to fully fund NASA, halt further layoffs, and investigate the influence of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency on agency operations.
Kelley emphasized that the issue is not just about reversing budget cuts but also about whether our government exists to serve the people or private interests. The AFGE is calling on members and allies to demand action: Respect NASA’s Legacy. Protect NASA’s Future.
Source: https://www.afge.org/article/hands-off-our-nasa-union-leaders-rally-to-defend-space-program-from-cuts-and-privatization