Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Future of NASA, Maryland’s Role in Space Innovation

Yesterday, members of Maryland's Congressional Delegation met with NASA officials and stakeholders to discuss protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. They received updates on and discussed the importance of NASA Goddard's workforce and missions, as well as other missions being built, led, and supported across Maryland. Video of the members' press availability following the meeting is available here.

"From NASA Goddard to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to nearby Wallops Flight Facility and the many additional science centers and related enterprises across the state, Maryland has been at the center of American space exploration and the forefront of technological advancements that have made our country stronger and safer. The dedicated scientists, engineers, and contractors who power these facilities are central to America's leadership in space and innovation, but these workers - and the critical work they do - have been under attack from the Trump Administration since day one. For America to continue leading the world in space science, the Administration must start respecting the people who put us in that position. Federal Team Maryland will continue pushing to maintain our leadership in cutting-edge missions while fighting to ensure the workers who drive them have the support they need to carry out these critical missions," said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

"The work being done every day at Goddard Space Flight Center and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory are the reason Maryland - and our nation - is a leader in science, technology, and research. We are exceptional because of the scientists and engineers doing this incredible work - their innovation and talent is unmatched. But this Administration doesn't seem to care. They have ripped apart the federal government including our work at NASA - ceding ground to global competitors. I will continue to stand up to this Administration and keep fighting for investments that keep America at the forefront of scientific discovery," said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

"NASA Goddard is vital not only to our local community in Maryland but to the entire country and world. Home to one of the greatest concentrations of scientists in the world, the team at Goddard is deepening our understanding of our planet and what lies beyond. In the course of that pursuit, they are also helping America continue to stay ahead of China and other competitors when it comes to science, technology, innovation, and economic growth. I was pleased our delegation could meet today to discuss how we can best support Goddard in that important mission," said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer.

"The research that happens at the Goddard Space Flight Center and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is work that cannot be reduced overnight. Unfortunately, Donald Trump and the Department of Government Evil took a chainsaw to the field of science - threatening research, innovation, and America's competitive edge," said Congressman Mfume. "We hope to have some concrete action as we continue to support our local scientists and engineers across the state of Maryland."

"Maryland remains a cornerstone of America's scientific community, and NASA's Goddard has long driven space science research and innovation," said Congressman Jamie Raskin. "Team Maryland condemns the Trump Administration's threats to cut funding at Goddard which would be a disaster for all Americans. I am grateful to the hundreds of NASA scientists and staff from the Free State who make Maryland a great home for natural discovery and scientific excellence."

"At the worst possible moment, the Trump administration's reckless cuts are hollowing out America's space leadership. Driving our best scientists out of public service puts us on track for another Sputnik moment; this time with China in the lead. We must invest in NASA and protect the mission-critical work at Goddard and Johns Hopkins APL," said Congressman Glenn Ivey.

"From working with University Affiliated Research Centers, like the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory located in the Third District, to leading our nation in space flight missions, NASA Goddard's importance to American leadership in space science cannot be overstated," said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03). "As they look to expand their mission-critical work, the Maryland Delegation will have their back even in the face of closures by the Trump Administration."

"NASA Goddard is a national jewel with a long and storied legacy of spaceflight and discovery made possible by our state's exceptional workforce and our ability to attract world-class academic and international partnerships. It is imperative that our Congress and Team Maryland continue to push against these reckless cuts that will undermine our research, workforce, innovation, U.S. competitiveness, and national security. As Maryland's only member of the House, Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am standing with our delegation to demand accountability, restore NASA's public service mission, and ensure Maryland continues to lead in scientific discovery. It is "mission critical" to preserve and protect our role as the world's leader on space innovation and technology policy," said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.

"Now more than ever, I believe in the power of evidence, facts, and science - and that we should invest in knowledge. Goddard is home to thousands of the world's best scientists who are helping us dominate the space race and reap the economic benefits that come with that. I join my Maryland colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to honor our commitments to these civil servants and continue investing in their missions," said Congressman Johnny Olszewski.