House SS&T Space Subcommittee Hearing on NASA's FY2017 Budget Request, March 2016

The Space Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing on NASA’s FY2017 budget request on March 17, 2016.  The hearing was largely friendly and supportive of NASA’s aeronautics and space programs, although Republicans criticized spending on earth science research, which they believe should be done by other federal agencies while NASA focuses on human and robotic exploration of space.  Republicans and Democrats criticized the President’s request for the Space Launch System and Orion as being too low.   

NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden was the only witness at the hearing.  Committee members praised his service to the nation as a Marine and as NASA Administrator.  Bolden has said these are likely his last budget hearings before Congress since a new President will take office before the next budget is submitted and he does not expect to continue as Administrator.

SpacePolicyOnline.com published a summary of the hearing on March 17, 2016.