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Citizens for Space Exploration 2009 DC Trip Report. May 18-20, 2009 Washington, DC. General Trip Information. 18 th Annual Trip 115 Travelers, including 26 Students / Educators 24 States were represented, including
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Citizens for Space Exploration 2009 DC Trip Report May 18-20, 2009 Washington, DC
General Trip Information • 18th Annual Trip • 115 Travelers, including 26 Students / Educators • 24 States were represented, including • AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, • NC, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA and WI • 341 meetings with Congressional offices (333 last year) from 49 states including 70% of the Senate and 63% of the House • Final report delivered to NASA Headquarters prior to departing D.C.
2009 Freshman Representatives • A major objective was to meet with as many Freshman as possible • We met with 92% of Senate Freshman and 84% of House Freshman Members • 5 Freshman Members spoke at our Congressional reception
26 Students / Educators • Message: NASA inspires youth to be involved with sciences, technology, engineering and math (STEM) • Students / Educators recognized at the Congressional Reception Student / Educator Participation
Key Messages • Congressional support for NASA is vital to • our economy’s success and America’s • Human Space Exploration program • The space industry includes high-tech jobs and creates new jobs in spinoff industries • Public supports space exploration • Space Exploration benefits our Nation’s Education and Healthcare goals • An investment of 1% of our Federal Budget for NASA promotes U.S. leadership
Congressional Response • There is a wide range of awareness of America’s space exploration program • Many offices feel that NASA needs to do a better job explaining the benefits of space to Congress • Many expressed a concern for limited budget resources • Some offices welcomed the “1% for Our Future” formula as a clear and worthy goal • Offices were very interested in how space relates to jobs in their district
Traveler Briefing • Teams formed with focus on specific state visits based on their students home or school • NASA briefings by Mary D. Kerwin and Alan Ladwig • Time for teams to work together to plan their office visit strategy for the next two days
Congressional Reception • 11 Congressional Speakers including: • Senator Voinovich (OH) • Representatives: Brown (SC), A. Green (TX), G. Green (TX), Griffith (AL), Kosmas (FL), Kucinich (OH), Olson (TX), Poe (TX), Posey (FL) and Thompson (PA) • Student / Educator recognition
New for 2009 NASA Supporter - Representative Gabrielle Giffords (AZ) - Chair of the House Science and Technology Committee’s Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee met personally with CSE on the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday morning
Special Thanks • Trip Sponsorship / Support • Aerospace Advisory Committee • Student Sponsorship • Aerospace Advisory Committee • Barrios Technology • The Boeing Company • National Space Club – • Huntsville Chapter • In-kind Services • United Space Alliance • Guidry News • Special Sponsorships • Lockheed Martin • The Boeing Company
Save the Date: Next year’s trip is set for May 17 to 19, 2010