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Republican National Convention: McCain Policy Boosts Space Exploration
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John McCain: The Only Way is Up for U.S. Space Program
Wnen the Republican National Convention roars into the Twin Cities Sept. 1-4, they'll find two cities ready and eager to accommodate them as the party sets out to define its working platform. Although America's space program, which takes up less than one per cent of the federal budget, isn't traditionally a "first tier" issue for either the Republicans or the Democrats, this year John McCain will bring a robust space policy to the Republicans.
McCain brings experience in the realm of space. His website notes: "Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator McCain played a major role in legislation to provide funding for space exploration (manned and unmanned), space science, Earth science, and aeronautics research. He also sponsored legislation to support the up and coming commercial space industry."
McCain's support for NASA and the American space program has been consistent, in stark contrast to Democratic presumptive nominee Barack Obama's flip flop on space. From Mars to the working grunts inFlorida, McCain has had his eye on the stars for a long time.
As Kennedy Space Center workers face potential layoffs and space programs face loss of working knowledge as the Space Shuttle program winds down, McCain has declared his support for KSC operations. Back in February 2007, McCain said: "“There’s too much invested there. There’s infrastructure that’s very expensive and very extensive there." McCain's Senate work on space issues gives his views the power punch of experience with space budgets and management.
The understanding of America's space program, from its foundations to the next generation challenges is evident in McCain's space policy. And, he makes it clear, he sees investment in space, both commercial and government, as not only an investment in science, but in " national power and pride."
McCain recently summed up concerns about the in-between years when shuttles are retired but the Constellation program isn't yet flying with one pithy statement: "“As President, I will act to make ensure our astronauts will continue to explore space, and not just by hitching a ride with someone else." Given the new tensions between the U.S. and International Space Station partner Russia over the Georgia conflict, American spaceflight capability is essential.
Will McCain's acceptance speech include any significant mention of space? No one yet knows--but delegates know that McCain intends to support America's space program, not from just a "gee whiz" basis, but from knowledge and experience.
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