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As we learned in July, 1989, the simple declaration of exploration goals is not sufficient to ensure that they are pursued -- Bush-41 announced a "Moon-Mars Initiative" on the steps of the National Air and Space Museum, but it went nowhere. Congress refused to fund it two years in a row and the "Office of Exploration" (yes, it did exist between 1991 and 1994 -- largely in the form described in this article) went quietly into that good night.

Cynically viewed, this is a desperate effort on Lampson's part to preserve as much of the JSC infrastructure as possible (most of JSC is in Texas-9; part of the surround area is in Tom Delay's (Texas-22) district.) Unless the administration signs on to this, it will go nowhere.

Cynically viewed, this is a desperate effort on Lampson's part to preserve as much of the JSC infrastructure as possible

I thought there was some ulterior motive, this explains what his motivations are. Guess that makes me a cynic. :)

I live in Lampson's district, so I will confirm that your cynicism is justified.

Unless the public (read Congress) is willing provide the funds, this is an exercise in futility. Furthermore, given past performance, I'm not convinced that NASA deserves the opportunity. Perhaps a public/private joint venture Mars Exploration Consortium independent of NASA would be a better route.

Regardless, this bill is going nowhere. Lampson just needs the reelection issue to gain support from the local space industry voters.