President Trump signed a bill today reauthorizing funding for NASA after Obama basically shut them down 7 years ago. Trump also set the goal of NASA landing on Mars:
President Trump signs new bill authorizing funding for NASA, setting a new goal to send humans to Mars https://t.co/uYbhpXZhwM pic.twitter.com/Y47OFPUSt9
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 21, 2017
ABC NEWS – President Donald Trump signed a bill into law Tuesday that updates NASA’s mission to add exploration of Mars and authorizes $19.5 billion in spending for the U.S. space agency for the current budget year.
It’s the first time in seven years that there has been an authorization bill for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, also known as NASA, said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a chief sponsor of the bill. Cruz joined several astronauts and other lawmakers in the Oval Office to watch Trump sign the bill.
“For almost six decades, NASA’s work has inspired millions and millions of Americans to imagine distant worlds and a better future right here on earth,” Trump said. “I’m delighted to sign this bill. It’s been a long time since a bill like this has been signed, reaffirming our commitment to the core mission of NASA: human space exploration, space science and technology.”
The measure amends current law to add human exploration of the red planet as a goal for the agency. It supports use of the International Space Station through at least 2024, along with private sector companies partnering with NASA to deliver cargo and experiments, among other steps.
Notice Ted Cruz is standing by his side:
Today @POTUS signed the @NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 into law, securing the future of U.S. leadership & exploration in space. pic.twitter.com/lu1SjhIldt
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) March 21, 2017
Honored to sign S.442 today. With this legislation, we support @NASA's scientists, engineers, and astronauts in their pursuit of discovery! pic.twitter.com/IjgBd88eN6
— President Trump (@POTUS) March 21, 2017
.@POTUS has signed the first NASA Authorization Act in 7 years. Thank you to our Congressional partners & @NASA for helping get this done. pic.twitter.com/M3phjSubDY
— Vice President Pence (@VP) March 21, 2017
Also Cruz got the pen:
"It means a great deal to Texas," Cruz says after Trump signs NASA bill. Cruz got a pen. pic.twitter.com/hEOsrkTk1O
— Patrick Svitek (@PatrickSvitek) March 21, 2017