Before joining others on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee in approving a $610.5 billion National Defense Spending bill this week, U.S. Rep. Steve Russell waged a fight against spending billions on new engines for America’s space rockets.
As the Committee hearing seeped into the early morning hours of Thursday, the Congressman said his opposition was based on the advice of Oklahoma astronaut and retired General Thomas Stafford. Russell said he trusts the word of Stafford, whom he called a “national hero” and said to begin spending what some called “a little bit” would lead to billions on launch vehicles.
Russell opposed an amendment by Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) to permit the Universal Launch Association to obtain 18 RD-180 rocket engines or competitive launches. The Pentagon supported the request to “bridge the gap” for national security launches.
Listen to Russell’s arguments against the new engines.