Number: RS22818
Title: National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Overview, FY2009 Budget, and Issues for Congress
Authors: Daniel Morgan and Carl E. Behrens, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducts U.S. civilian space and aeronautics activities. For FY2009, the Administration requested $17.614 billion for NASA, an increase of 1.8% from the FY2008 appropriation of $17.309 billion. The House Appropriations Committee recommended $17.769 billion. The Senate Appropriations Committee recommended $17.814 billion. The NASA Authorization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-422) authorizes $20.210 billion. Pending enactment of an FY2009 appropriations act, NASA is operating at FY2008 funding levels under the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2009 (Division A of P.L. 110- 329). The President's 2004 Moon/Mars Vision for Space Exploration is the major focus of NASA's activities. Issues for Congress regarding this goal include the development of new vehicles for human spaceflight, plans for the transition to these vehicles after the space shuttle is retired in 2010, and the balance in NASA's priorities between human space exploration and the agency's activities in science and aeronautics.
Pages: 6
Date: October 29, 2008