BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                            H.C.R. 49

                                                                                                                                   By: Davis, John

                                                                                                                                       State Affairs

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) explorations of space and important scientific discoveries have inspired and benefited the people of our nation and state.  NASA's landmark achievement in putting the first man on the moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong, on July 20, 1969, captured the imagination of people everywhere.  This major accomplishment ushered in new and exciting technological advances that have benefited our nation's security and cellular communications.  Currently, the Space Exploration Vision has set a goal of returning the Space Shuttle to flight, completing assembly of the International Space Station, developing the Crew Exploration Vehicle, returning humans to the moon, and pursuing human exploration of Mars and the solar system.  Through education programs like Texas Aerospace Scholars, the NASA Explorer Schools, and the Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers, NASA is nurturing a new generation of explorers and scientists who can contribute to our nation's excellence.

In addition, NASA has also advanced our health care system through the development of MRI and CAT scan technology, fetal heart monitors, programmable heart pacemakers, and other important medical devices.  NASA plays a vital role in the economy of Texas, employing nearly 3,000 civil servants and approximately 13,000 contractors at the Johnson Space Center and by awarding almost $4 billion worth of NASA contracts annually. Small businesses across Texas with technical challenges have benefited from the support of the aerospace industry, NASA, and the State of Texas' support of the Technology Outreach Program, resulting in new business ventures within the state.  The Space Exploration Vision has the potential to further drive innovation, development, and advancement in the aerospace and other high technology industries across the nation and in the State of Texas.

The extraordinary contributions of NASA to science and technology are the pride of our state, and the Space Exploration Vision is truly deserving of legislative recognition.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

Urges all members of the United States Congress to fully fund the National Aeronautics and Space Administration budget request in support of the Space Exploration Vision.

Provides that the Texas secretary of state will forward official copies of this resolution to the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to the president of the United States, to the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate of the United States Congress, and to all members of the Texas delegation to the congress with the request that this resolution be officially entered in the Congressional Record as a memorial to the Congress of the United States of America.