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As Americans prepare to enjoy a long weekend with their friends and families in honor of Columbus Day, Congressman Bill Posey is asking his fellow citizens and Members of Congress to consider the benefits of our nation’s space exploration program.

“Our investment in space exploration has helped raise living standards for all humanity,” said Congressman Posey. “And there are so many more advancements in science and technology just waiting to be uncovered; along with countless new worlds to be explored. Now is the time to push forward and continue writing the chapter of discovery which began with Columbus some 500 years ago. Queen Isabella didn’t instruct Columbus to embark on his mission of discovery on the cheap and turn back after a few months. He pressed ahead and set an example for future explorers.”

The future of America’s space program is in doubt with the retirement of the Space Shuttle looming just around the corner and no clear successor vehicle to take its place. Last April, Posey was joined by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz in introducing legislation (H.R. 1962, the American Space Access Act) that would extend the life of the Shuttle and provide additional funding to bring NASA’s next generation human space flight vehicle on line sooner. Last month Rep. Posey reiterated to NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, that NASA needs additional resources to close America’s human space flight gap.

Without a successor space vehicle, Americans will have to rely on other nations to reach the international space station and conduct valuable experiments in space. “The zero gravity of space allows us to quickly research and find cures for diseases – that alone should make space exploration a high priority for Members of Congress and the Administration,” Posey concluded.