Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) Supports NASA Grand Vision, Says, 'Space Exploration Vital For Earth'

It's amazing, in the wake of the devastation in the Gulf, the Congress is sitting around Commending NASA for its 'Return to Flight' program; saluting the astronauts, engineers, et.al., responsible for the most recent launch, without discussion of the fact the fleet was grounded less than 24-hours after launch.
I just finished watching it on C-SPAN. It was an admirable display of mostly pork-belly politics, with one exception: Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-NY.
He is Chairman of House Sciences Committee and a big supporter of NASA. Among the blathering, scripted, monotone salutes, it was nice to listen to someone speak who actually knew what they were talking about. Boehlert understands the vital role NASA plays in our national security. Especially in this time of extreme budgetary crisis we need guys like him to speak up and remind everyone else.
He said the exploration of Space was important for "Finding better ways to do things for the most vital planet in the universe; The one we live on."
He commended NASA for "providing a constant source of inspiration" for America's school children. Parents should understand the technological advantages the U.S. Space program provides and Boehlert was mindful of that, specifically thanking all U.S. taxpayers for carrying the burden required.
And he was careful to remind everyone the cost of allowing that burden to slip, or to drop it entirely. The U.S. Space program, he said, had always helped the nation stay ahead in the world community; it made us true world leaders. Losing that now, especially in light of the ever expanding global economy and the former third-world nations now threatening to overtake it, namely China and India, would be devastating to our economy. We cannot remain isolated, it's too late for that. The only choice is to forge ahead, and lead the way into the future. And that will take a large investment of funds; a true commitment of resources, regardless of the cost.
"If the U.S. hopes to maintain it's position in the international market, it's got to do better," Boehlert said.
I couldn't agree more.