Still Reaching for the Stars and Mars: RSC Members Mark NASA’s 68th Trip Around the Sun

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks 68 years since President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 into law, establishing NASA as the nation’s civilian space agency. For nearly seven decades, NASA has embodied American ingenuity, cementing the nation as the world’s leader in human spaceflight, space exploration, and scientific discovery.

President Trump and Congressional Republicans are building on that legacy through historic investments secured through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. These investments are driving innovation, expanding high-tech infrastructure, strengthening partnerships with the commercial space sector, creating high-paying jobs across the country, and fueling economic growth while advancing American leadership in space for decades to come.

Here’s what Members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) are saying in honor of NASA’s past and bright future:

“Space is the final frontier, and it has never been more imperative that America leads the way. Thank you, Chairman Pfluger, for recognizing that the United States is in a critical space race and that our national security depends on maintaining our leadership. Sixty-eight years ago, President Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act into law, establishing NASA. For nearly seven decades, NASA has helped secure American leadership in aeronautics and space exploration while advancing scientific discovery and strengthening our national security. As Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I look forward to continuing the fight for U.S. leadership in space and ensuring NASA has the resources it needs for years to come,” said Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36), Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

“68 years ago, America answered the call to lead in space, and today, on NASA's birthday, we recommit to that mission. America cannot afford to cede the future of space to Communist China. Returning to the Moon through Artemis III, building a permanent lunar base, and setting our sights on Mars is what American greatness looks like when we refuse to settle for second place," said RSC Chairman Pfluger (TX-11). "The Republican Study Committee proudly fought to secure the resources behind this mission through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, and that investment is powering the start of our Golden Age of space exploration on this anniversary and for the 68 years to come,” said RSC Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).

“From Apollo to Artemis, NASA has carried America’s pioneering spirit farther than any nation in history. As we celebrate NASA’s birthday, we should recommit to the bold missions, scientific discovery and aviation innovation that keep the United States first in space. The Working Families Tax Cuts Act helps make critical investments to strengthen America’s space leadership, inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and astronauts, and advance technologies that benefit Americans here on Earth,” said Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Co-Chair of the Advancing Humanity in Space Congressional Caucus. 

“For 68 years, NASA has shown the world that American innovation knows no limits. From the Space Coast to the stars, NASA continues to lead the world in exploration, discovery, and innovation. Happy Birthday to the agency whose greatest adventures are still ahead,”said Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL-08).

“For 68 years, NASA has inspired Americans to look to the stars and pursue what once seemed impossible. From the first launches on Florida’s Space Coast that helped put man on the moon, to the missions shaping the future of exploration today, NASA and the State of Florida share a rich history. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the astronauts, engineers, and innovators who helped cement the United States as the world’s leader in space and are reminded that America’s greatest discoveries and achievements are still ahead,” said Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11).

“From putting a man on the Moon to exploring the furthest reaches of our universe, NASA has embodied the very best of American innovation for 68 years. America has always led the world because we refuse to settle for what is possible today. We invest in what is possible tomorrow. Every breakthrough, every mission, and every discovery reminds the world that when America leads, humanity moves forward. As global competition grows, we must continue to invest in the scientists, engineers, and explorers who will keep our nation at the forefront of space, technology, and discovery. The next generation of American achievements is still ahead of us, and I have no doubt our greatest days of exploration are yet to come,” said Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-07).

“NASA has defined American excellence for the past 68 years, from Apollo to Artemis, and its best days are still ahead. The Working Families Tax Cuts Act made critical investments to ensure the United States remains the global leader in space exploration and aviation innovation. In my district in California, the men and women at NASA Armstrong, Mojave Air and Space Port, Edwards Air Force Base and NAWS China Lake are writing the future every single day in new advancements and innovations. Together, we are ensuring America’s continued dominance in space,” said Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20).

“On this day 68 years ago, NASA was established making America the leader in space exploration. A perfect example of American ingenuity, the creation and development of NASA has changed humanity's view on the universe forever. Happy Birthday, NASA. May you continue to reach new heights,” said Rep. Mike Kennedy (UT-03).