In 1969, the United States of America launched humanity's first expedition to another world.
Three years later, we retreated to low Earth orbit. It is time for America and the world to
break free from the gravity well that has confined it for nearly three decades. The Mars Society USA Political Action Task Force exists to
mobilize support for aggressive government-funded Mars exploration programs
and to clear political obstacles in the path of private Mars exploration.
August 30: Tim Kyger reports that the full House of Representatives will consider H.R.2684, the FY2000 VA/HUD Appropriations Bill, September 8. The Senate VA/HUD Appropriations Subcommittee will markup their version of the VA/HUD bill September 9. Read more...
August 7: Congress' August recess begins today and lasts through September 7. Most Representatives and Senators are in their districts for much of the break. If you have not already done so, please contact your Congresspeople during the recess. Read more...
August 4: The House of Representatives will not debate the VA-HUD budget bill, H.R.2684, and the accompanying report, H.Rpt. 106-286, until after the August recess because of the death of Robert Mollohan. Mollohan, a former Congressman, is the father of VA-HUD Subcommittee Ranking Member Alan Mollohan (D-WV).
August 3: Rep. Ralph Hall (D-TX) and Rep. Burt Gordon (D-TN), respectively ranking member of the Science Committee and of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, issued a press release condemning the large proposed cut in NASA's budget.
July 30: The House Appropriations committee marked up the VA, HUD and Independent Agencies budget bill today. An amendment that passed on voice vote transfered AmeriCorps' $400 million budget to NASA space science. As amended, the budget funds the Mars exploration program at the level requested by the President. The full House will vote on the bill next week. Read more...
July 28: Calling the NASA budget cuts a 'very unwise decision', Vice President Al Gore said today that the cuts would force NASA to shut down two of its space centers. He promised that he would fight against the cuts. Read more...
July 27: Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL) is attempting to organize supporters of NASA in Congress to restore NASA funding. Weldon's