North Alabama has a proud tradition supporting our nation's space program. Today, we're one of the nation's leading manufacturing centers for the rockets that NASA will use for years to come as well as Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

As the Ranking Member on the Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, one of my primary responsibilities will be to work with my colleagues determining funding for NASA and particularly the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

I'm very proud of the history of Marshall and will fight to ensure that it receives the funding necessary for it to continue its important work. As NASA retires the space shuttle, rockets such as the Ares I that are managed by Marshall will become increasingly important.