Trump signs NASA bill, ponders sending Congress to space

IN A rare bout of consensus, Donald Trump has pledged money for a NASA mission to Mars. But he’s got some interesting ideas.

US astronaut Chris Cassidy hands President Donald Trump a NASA jacket after he signed a bill increasing funding for the space agency. Picture: Nicholas Kamm

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump signed legislation Tuesday adding human exploration of Mars to NASA’s mission. Could sending Congress into space be next?

Flanked at an Oval Office bill-signing ceremony by astronauts and politicians, Mr Trump observed that being an astronaut is a “pretty tough job.”

He said he wasn’t sure he’d want it and, among politicians he put the question to, Sen. Ted Cruz said he wouldn’t want to be a space traveller, either.

But Mr Cruz offered up a tantalising suggestion: “You could send Congress to space,” he said to laughter, including from the president.

Mr Trump, who faces a crucial House vote later this week on controversial legislation long promised by Republicans to overhaul the Obama-era Affordable Care Act, readily agreed. The health care bill is facing resistance from some conservative members of the party.

“What a great idea that could be,” Mr Trump said, before turning back to the space exploration measure sponsored by Cruz and Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida. The new law authorises $US19.5 billion in spending for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the budget year that began on October 1.

Mr Cruz said the authorisation bill is the first for the space agency in seven years, and he called it a “terrific” achievement.

Now #Trump has funded NASA mission to #Mars, the intrepid Space organisation will need a focus. May I recommend: pic.twitter.com/it6b8Ec7n7

— Jonathan Beeley (@foreignpolicy77) March 21, 2017

Trump last week sent Congress a budget proposal that seeks $US19.1 billion in spending authorisation for the agency next year.

“For almost six decades, NASA’s work has inspired millions and millions of Americans to imagine distant worlds and a better future right here on earth,” Mr Trump said. “I’m delighted to sign this bill. It’s been a long time since a bill like this has been signed, reaffirming our commitment to the core mission of NASA: human space exploration, space science and technology.”

The measure amends current law to add human exploration of the red planet as a goal for the agency. It supports use of the International Space Station through at least 2024, along with private sector companies partnering with NASA to deliver cargo and experiments, among other steps.

After signing the bill, Trump invited several politicians to comment, starting with Mr Cruz. When Trump invited Vice President Mike Pence to speak, he suggested that Mr Nelson be allowed to say a few words. Mr Nelson travelled into space when he was in the House.

“He’s a Democrat. I wasn’t going to let him speak,” Trump quipped, to laughter.

Mr Pence also announced that Mr Trump plans to re-launch the National Space Council, with his VP as chairman, to co-ordinate US space policy. The council was authorised by law in 1988, near the end of the Reagan administration, but ceased to operate soon after Bill Clinton took office in January 1993.