The US House Appropriations Committee is preparing to once again reject the Donald Trump administration's proposal to cut the NASA budget. Lawmakers are proposing to maintain funding at last year's level of $24.4 billion, instead of the requested $18.8 billion. Ixbt.com reports on this.
The largest discrepancy concerns scientific programs: while the administration proposed cutting their funding to $3.9 billion, the committee is demanding $6 billion. Additionally, other items ranging from space technologies to operational activities have been significantly increased.
The budget request was criticized during hearings involving NASA head Jared Isaacman. Subcommittee Chairman Hal Rogers called the proposal "disappointing," while Congresswoman Grace Meng highlighted the risks to scientific research due to a nearly 46 percent cut.
Particular attention is being paid to the Artemis lunar program, which the committee calls a priority. A separate statement emphasized the necessity of "ensuring that American astronauts are the first to return to the Moon."
The budget approval process is just beginning: the subcommittee will review the document on April 30, after which it will be sent for discussion by the full committee and then to Congress. The final decision is traditionally made after lengthy negotiations between the chambers.
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