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, from 24 States 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 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
Student / Educator Participation 26 Students / Educators Message: NASA inspires youth to be involved with sciences, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Students / Educators recognized at the Congressional Reception
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 Greater Cleveland Partnership Sierra Lobo Technical Assistance NASA Glenn Research Center
Save the Date: Next year’s trip is set for May 17 to 19,
Nick Gattozzi Greater Cleveland Partnership /