HONORING ARTEMIS II

On 2026-04-30, Representative George Whitesides (D-CA-27) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ARTEMIS II" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered climate policy.

HONORING ARTEMIS II

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)] [House] [Page H3326] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ARTEMIS II (Mr. WHITESIDES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. WHITESIDES. Mr. Speaker, before I came to Congress, I led NASA as chief of staff under President Obama. I believed then, as I believe now, that NASA represents the best of us and the best of America. We were reminded of its ability to inspire just weeks ago with the triumph of Artemis II. The sheer historic weight of sending humans around the Moon for the first time stopped our country in its tracks as we watched four brave astronauts take flight. The crew made history on multiple fronts as the most diverse to travel beyond low Earth orbit and by going further into space than anyone had ever been before. Yet, just days after their launch, the President proposed a massive cut to NASA's budget, including slashing NASA's science division, which helps us detect wildfires in our district, fight climate change, and advance innovation. They tried this last year, and we successfully fought back, making sure that NASA funding levels remained steady. We can, and we will do it again. Artemis II didn't happen overnight. It required decades of investment, hard work, and the belief that America can still reach for the stars. We must reaffirm our commitment to this essential work. ____________________