June 18, 2008: Congressman Wittman supports aeronautics funding increase

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008, H.R.6063, provides $20.2 billion in overall funding, with $853.5 million specifically authorized for aeronautics research and development.  The bill passed the House with 409-15 vote.

"NASA Langley's mission is critical to the future of our country and the First District, and I'm glad we were able to pass a bill that reflects that importance," said Wittman.

Congressman Wittman worked throughout the spring to address a serious shortfall in the initial budget proposal for aeronautics research.  Originally, the NASA FY09 budget request contained only $456 million for aeronautics research, representing nearly a 50% cut in funding.  After meeting with industry and government leaders, Wittman and other members of Congress petitioned to increase aeronautics research and development funding.

"The bill we passed today authorizes funding that demonstrates our commitment to retaining America's competitive edge in aeronautics, of which the NASA Langley Research Center is the lynchpin.  The men and women who work at NASA Langley do outstanding work and I am honored to support them in Washington," said Wittman.

The aeronautics research funding will cover a variety of research initiatives, including aircraft noise and emissions, national airspace redesign, supersonic flight and weather. The bill also requires NASA to award grants to colleges and universities to establish cooperative research centers on aviation training.