Representatives Mike Garcia (CA-27), Judy Chu (CA-28), and Adam Schiff (CA-30) have spearheaded a bipartisan effort urging NASA Administrator Bill Nelson to fully fund the Mars Sample Return Program. In a letter co-signed by 20 other Members of Congress from California, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of securing adequate funding for the program.
“The bicameral and bipartisan consensus of Congress is to strongly support the mission and the importance of NASA expeditiously committing to a new architecture that ensures a timely launch to recover the samples,” stated the lawmakers.
The representatives highlighted the potential consequences of insufficient funding, including compromising America’s national leadership in solar system exploration and future missions to Mars. They stressed the need for NASA to prioritize the Mars Sample Return Program by allocating no less than $650 million in the FY 2024 operating plan.
The letter addressed to Administrator Nelson underscored Congress’s support for the mission and the Decadal Survey process. It urged NASA to uphold its commitment to the Planetary Sciences Decadal and respect Congress’s clear intention for the success of the Mars Sample Return Program.
The lawmakers expressed concern over NASA’s workforce reductions and emphasized that further delays in confirming a new plan could jeopardize international commitments, increase risks and costs, and provide China with an advantage in the race to return samples from Mars.
In conclusion, the representatives reiterated their strong urging for NASA to prioritize the Mars Sample Return Program, stating, “Therefore, we strongly urge you to submit an FY 2024 operating plan that funds MSR at no less than $650 million.”
The full letter text can be accessed for further details on the lawmakers’ plea to ensure the successful completion of the Mars Sample Return Program.
