Rep. Frank Lucas Attends Historic Signing of NASA Bill by President Trump

District 3 Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma) joined Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Marco Rubio (R-Florida) along with legislative colleagues and NASA astronauts in the White House Oval Office on Tuesday to witness President Trump sign S.442, the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017.

“As Vice Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I was proud to be a part of this historic bill signing today at the White House,” said Congressman Lucas. “This forward-looking legislation recognizes the importance of NASA’s mission and helps to ensure our country will continue to be the global leader in space exploration and research.”

The new law provides $19.5 billion in funding for NASA to pursue several long-term projects. One of the agency’s goals is completion of a manned rover to Mars by 2033. The legislation will allow NASA to increase its deep space exploration missions while supporting programs including the James Webb Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

“It’s been a long time since a bill like this has been signed, reaffirming our national commitment to the core mission of NASA, human space exploration, space science and technology,” said President Trump. “With this legislation, we support NASA’s scientists, engineers and astronauts and their pursuit of discovery.”

The legislation will stimulate the commercial space industry by allowing NASA to receive additional funding for human space flight from private companies as it continues to advance the agency’s goals while prioritizing public-private partnerships.