Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) announced today that the House of Representatives passed the NASA Authorization for Fiscal Year 2009. The bill authorizes $19.2 billion for NASA programs, and an additional $1 billion for research and development of NASA's new space exploration vehicles.

“I am proud to support NASA and all of its field centers, including North Alabama’s Marshall Space Flight Center,” Cramer said. “The authorization bill passed by the House today gives NASA the resources it needs to sustain programs and research initiatives that are critical to keeping America at the forefront of space exploration. In North Alabama, our space community is poised to continue its major role in NASA’s vision.”

The $19.2 billion authorization provides $4.9 billion for scientific research; $853 million for aeronautics; $3.9 billion for space exploration; $128 million for education; $6.1 billion for space operations; and $3.3 billion for cross-agency support programs.

Additionally, $1 billion will be used to hasten the development of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle, which are currently being designed to replace the space shuttle.