Rep. Fattah Congratulates NASA Administrator, Vows Support for Its Continuing Mission in Research, Innovation and Job Incubation

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Ranking Member on the subcommittee that oversees NASA funding, congratulated Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr. for NASA's successful final launch today of the Space Shuttle Atlantis -- and pledged to work in Congress for the resources to support future NASA programs.

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"Great job, great liftoff," Fattah told Bolden in a phone call shortly after Atlantis soared from the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida on the final shuttle mission. "This is a proud day for NASA, for you and for the entire country.

"NASA is closing one chapter but moving forward aggressively to another chapter in low earth orbit and deep space exploration," Fattah said in his call from Washington.

Bolden thanked Fattah for his continued support for NASA's mission and for the vital work that lies ahead.

Fattah, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies, which handles NASA appropriations, has been a leader in Congress in advocating for NASA's continued critical role in scientific research, innovation and job creation.

Fattah and Bolden discussed the special Philadelphia flavor to the Atlantis mission, with Fattah noting "you couldn't have a better commander today." Commander Christopher Ferguson is a Northeast Philadelphia native who graduated from Drexel University in Fattah's Second Congressional District. Bolden said he met Ferguson's daughter- a Drexel sophomore herself - at the launch site.

Fattah, in additional comments, pointed to the advances in American manufacturing, medicine, education and job incubation that are traceable to NASA-funded research and innovation.

"In the nearly half century since President Kennedy vowed to send an astronaut to the moon, NASA has been a shining example of American innovation, scientific research and technological adaptation. Private sector jobs and cutting edge products - past, present and especially future - are the continuing legacy of our space program," said Fattah.  "Today, as we celebrate the 135th and final launch of the hugely successful shuttle program, Americans need to know that NASA's impact on our lives, our economy and our world leadership is a mission with many more launches still ahead."

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

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