Ted Cruz (Photo : www.newzwolf.com)
Ted Cruz, the chairman of the Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate, blurted out harsh words to NASA during a senate hearing, Thursday. The American Geophysical Union, which is represented by more than 60, 000 Earth and space scientists, is making the senator fulfill a personal mission for his remarks.
Cruz, who shared with the CNN in 2014 that their climate change data were not supported strongly, urged NASA to halt all efforts of data gathering.
In a Senate hearing held Thursday, once again, expressed his concern over the agency's Earth science missions.
"I'd like to start by asking a general question, in your judgment, what is the core mission of NASA?" Mashable reported.
"Our core mission from the very beginning has been to investigate, explore space and the Earth environment, and to help us make this place a better place," Charles Bolden, NASA Administrator responded.
Cruz, who wanted to dispute the agency's Earth science mission, said, "Almost any American would agree that the core function of NASA is to explore space...I am concerned that NASA in the current environment has lost its full focus on that core mission."
Bolden answered by explaining the importance of Earth science, "We could not go anywhere if the Kennedy Space Center will inspect underwater."
Christine W. McEntee, the American Geophysical Union CEO/Director, defended NASA's priorities through a letter addressed to the Senator.
"Our members are working on research and development for a wide array of Earth and space science topics, and we welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss their work, as well as, ways we might be able to assist you. We look forward to working with you; please don't hesitate to reach out to us at any time," the letter concluded.
