WASHINGTON — A leading Democratic member of the House Science Committee has voiced strong opposition to the proposed drastic reductions in NASA’s fiscal year 2026 budget, arguing that the cuts reflect a lack of appreciation for science’s value to both NASA and the nation. Speaking at a SpaceNews webinar on June 10, Rep. George Whitesides (D-Calif.), vice ranking member of the committee, criticized the budget proposal released on May 30, which suggests a nearly 25% cut to NASA’s overall budget and an almost 50% reduction to its science programs.
Whitesides described the proposed cuts as “catastrophic,” noting that if implemented, they could lead to the termination of dozens of missions. He linked the cuts to broader reductions in science funding at other agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. “What underpins what we’re seeing is, I think, a full-scale assault on the scientific establishment,” he said. “It seems like there is not an understanding on the part of the administration of the importance of science and technology in our economy and our leadership in the world.”
Implications for Scientific Leadership
Whitesides argued that the administration appears to misunderstand the connection between research and national competitiveness. He highlighted the use of multispectral imagery in Earth science as an example, noting that China is advancing rapidly in this area. “The Chinese are launching literally dozens of these types of instruments into space,” he said. “For us to give up our leadership in multispectral imagery is not just an issue related to atmospheric science, but it handicaps our ability to find key minerals crucial for future economic competition.”
The budget proposal’s science cuts were not as severe as initially feared in April, when a leaked document suggested the cancellation of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. While the full budget does not cancel the telescope, it does reduce its projected funding for 2026. “So there has been some movement,” Whitesides acknowledged, “but obviously not enough.”
Artemis and Space Exploration Plans
The fiscal year 2026 budget proposal also calls for ending the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion programs after the Artemis 3 mission, shifting to commercial capabilities. This proposal has faced opposition from industry groups, with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) seeking to add $10 billion to fund SLS and Orion through Artemis 5. Whitesides suggested it was premature to end these programs, emphasizing the importance of ongoing work on long-lead items for future missions.
He expressed a desire for more information about the administration’s plan to transition to commercial replacements. “What I think we don’t have right now is, in Congress, a full understanding of these architectures that are being proposed for both lunar and Martian exploration,” he said. Whitesides is advocating for a bipartisan approach to a sustainable long-term human space exploration program.
Leadership and Workforce Challenges
The announcement of budget cuts coincides with the White House’s withdrawal of Jared Isaacman’s nomination as NASA administrator on May 31. Whitesides expressed concern over the lack of permanent leadership at NASA, which he believes leaves the agency under the control of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the White House. “It’s crucial that we get someone new as soon as possible,” he urged.
Whitesides emphasized the importance of appointing a leader who understands NASA’s broad mission and has experience running large organizations. “This is a big organization. It’s a national treasure. NASA is important. We need somebody who has the skills to organizationally run that,” he stated.
The proposed budget also threatens NASA’s workforce, suggesting a reduction of about a third of its civil servant workforce to less than 12,000 people. Following a deferred retirement program earlier this year, NASA announced a new initiative to offer voluntary separation incentives. Whitesides warned that such measures risk losing some of NASA’s best employees, who might find opportunities elsewhere.
Looking Ahead: Congressional Response
Whitesides is actively engaging with fellow members of the House Science Committee and appropriators to address the budget proposal, though he noted it was too early to detail potential responses. “I think that there is a general view that these cuts would be catastrophic to NASA as proposed,” he said. “We need to be the backstop in a time when it seems like the administration does not value a strong future for NASA.”
He believes that emphasizing support for NASA through appropriations and authorization bills is crucial. “The more that people in Congress, members of Congress, talk about a positive future for the agency, and show that they are committed to a strong future for the agency, the better that will be,” he concluded.
