The Senate Commerce Committee yesterday elected Sen. George Allen (R-VA) chairman of the space subcommittee, giving him a leadership role in overseeing NASA.
Question: I was under the impression that Space was under the Science Committee, or is this another example of multiple hands in congress in multiple pies?
In the Senate, "Space" is grouped with "Commerce" - which may add some much-needed perspective. :-) Of course, in both the Senate and House appropriations committees, NASA funding competes in the same category as veterans and housing programs.
Allen to Chair Science, Technology, and Space Subcommittee
of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
http://www.senate.gov/~commerce/press/107-25.html
The current Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
was formed in 1977 by a merger of the Committee on Aeronautical
and Space Sciences (formed in 1958), and the Commerce Committee.
It is usually just called the "Commerce" committee.
http://www.senate.gov/~commerce/evol.htm
The Senators in the Sci, Tech, & Space Subcommittee are now:
NOW would be a fine time for any Virginia resident to send a note to Allen congratulating him on his selection as Chair of the space subcommittee and adding a one-paragraph expression of their views on space. (You could mention if you voted for him, but you don't have to support him to promote your own space interests.)
Others might check out the list of states for other connections - e.g. my
parents live in NC. In past years, some initatives have made it through the
House and gotten stuck in the Senate, so this list may be useful later on.
The address for a letter:
The Honorable George Allen
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Allen:
(Please go to Mars! :-)
contributed by - Eric Dahlstrom
________ InternationalSpace.com _________
PO Box 60606 Washington DC 20039-0606 USA