California Congress Members Urge White House to Reverse NASA Cuts to Mars Sample Return Program
In a recent development, over 40 members of Congress from California have come together to urge the White House to reverse the cuts imposed by NASA on the Mars Sample Return (MSR) program. These Congress members have expressed concerns about the potential job losses and the significant setback in scientific progress that could result from these cuts.
The letter, dated February 1, was addressed to Shalanda Young, the director of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget. This letter represents an escalation of a previous request made by many of the same members in November to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. The initial request aimed to undo the slowdown in spending on the MSR program, which was prompted by uncertainties surrounding fiscal year 2024 appropriations.
Leading the charge in this endeavor are Representatives Judy Chu and Adam Schiff, along with Senator Alex Padilla, all from California. They were joined by 41 other members of California’s congressional delegation in signing the letter. It is worth noting that the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which serves as the lead center for MSR, is located in California.
The decision by NASA to scale back activities related to MSR was announced in November due to discrepancies in spending bills. While a House appropriations bill fully supports NASA’s request of $949.3 million for MSR, its Senate counterpart only includes $300 million. As a result, NASA has had to reduce spending on MSR, citing concerns that if the Senate bill is enacted, MSR could exhaust its funding for 2024 if it continues spending at the higher 2023 rate for several months.
However, the members of Congress who penned the letter reject this argument put forth by NASA. They firmly believe that this decision is short-sighted and misguided, and will lead to the loss of hundreds of jobs and a decade’s worth of scientific progress. Moreover, they argue that it goes against the authority of Congress.
While a full-year 2024 spending package has yet to be finalized by Congress, progress has been made in recent weeks. Allocations have been provided to the 12 appropriations subcommittees, giving them an idea of the available funds. The current continuing resolution (CR) that funds NASA is in effect until March 8.
The letter suggests that there may be progress in resolving the disparity between the House and Senate funding levels for MSR. It states that the House Appropriations Committee leadership is working closely with their Senate colleagues to reach a compromise position. This offers hope that a resolution can be reached to prevent the cancellation of contracts and the termination of highly skilled employees.
Unfortunately, the reductions in funding have already had repercussions at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In early January, the center laid off 100 contractors, most of whom were involved in the MSR program. The budget uncertainties for 2024 were cited as a key reason for these layoffs and other cost-cutting measures.
Laurie Leshin, the director of JPL, explained in a January 8 interview that they received direction from NASA to plan for the lower funding level. They are systematically reviewing areas where on-site contractors are employed for MSR, as well as other areas where JPL staff could potentially fill in. Leshin also mentioned that if MSR funding aligns more closely with the figure in the Senate bill, these layoffs could extend to full-time staff.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding MSR is an ongoing agency reassessment of the program’s architecture. This reassessment was prompted by an independent review that found the current approach to MSR to be behind schedule and over budget. The results of this reassessment are expected to be completed in March. The members of Congress express their understanding that a modified mission architecture could simplify the program and reduce annual costs, potentially addressing the concerns raised in the Senate appropriations bill for FY2024. However, NASA has not publicly disclosed any details about potential alternative mission architectures.
The fate of the Mars Sample Return program hangs in the balance as Congress, NASA, and the White House navigate the complexities of funding and decision-making. The outcome will not only impact the future of space exploration but also have significant implications for job stability and scientific progress. As the March deadline approaches, stakeholders eagerly await a resolution that will ensure the continuation of this groundbreaking program.
