Congressman Objects to Bolden Trip to China
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden
U.S. Lawmaker Balks at NASA Chief’s China Visit
Space News
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden’s plan to visit China this month for high-level talks about possible cooperation on human spaceflight has prompted a senior Republican appropriator to request a security briefing on the trip before it happens.
In an Oct. 5 letter to the NASA chief, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) said he strongly opposes any partnership with Beijing that involves human spaceflight, including efforts to involve China in the international space station.
“I need not remind you that no such planning or coordination has been approved by the Congress,†wrote Wolf, the ranking member on the House Appropriations commerce, justice, science subcommittee that oversees NASA spending. “In fact, several recent NASA authorization bills have explicitly sought to place strict limitations on coordination with China.â€
Wolf, an outspoken China critic, is likely to return to the chairmanship of the NASA appropriations subcommittee next year if Democrats lose control of the House in upcoming November elections.
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One response to “Congressman Objects to Bolden Trip to China”
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Hi Doug –
Thought I would leave a link relating to this specific topic.
http://spaceports.blogspot….
Virginia Congressman Wolf has ligitimate concerns based upon the Chinese government human rights record as evidenced even this very week. However, the point to be made here is that the nations and private firms that launch humans to space are all “envoys of mankind” by treaty and international law. Personally, I hope that Congressman Wolf comes to the realization that there are steps under the enacted provisions of international law that merit active consideration.
Thanks, and be well.