Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget request, which prioritizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Everglades restoration projects:

“Our space industry is on the cusp of exploration – and much of that exploration begins in Florida. Space is in Florida’s DNA – and I’m confident that President Trump’s support of NASA will be the boost the agency needs to put the next man and first woman on the moon. The President is committed to Florida and supports restoration of the Everglades to improve water quality, which is essential to Florida’s economy.”

President Trump requested more than $25 billion for NASA, an increase of 12 percent from Fiscal Year 2020. The request comes at a critical time for NASA, which is aiming to land the next man and first woman on the moon by 2024. President Trump’s budget includes over $3 billion dollars toward development of a human lunar landing system, the first time NASA has had direct funding for a human lander since Apollo. 

The space industry has deep ties in Florida. In 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin launched to the moon from Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island. It was the first time humans had been to the moon.

President Trump’s budget also includes $250 million for Everglades Restoration efforts, a $50 million increase from Fiscal Year 2020. Waltz joined his fellow colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support President Trump’s commitment to the Everglades.

“Space exploration and Everglades restoration are critical for our state,” Waltz said. “I’m hopeful that with the President’s support, Florida will have all the resources needed to grow our space industry and keep our water clean.”