For the past 20 years, representatives from Citizens for Space Exploration have traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress to discuss the benefits of space exploration and to ask for their support of an adequately funded U.S. human space exploration program. From May 31 - June 2, 2011, 88 travelers from 24 states once again sought congressional support for a robust, human space exploration program. Over the course of two days, the travelers made 330 meetings with members of Congress or their staff. This is in addition to 94 office visits made in March when the group went to Washington D.C., to meet with new freshman members.

The CSE trip has grown to be the nation's largest pro-NASA, pro-space exploration grassroots annual trip to Washington D.C., in terms of the most congressional offices visited. CSE is comprised of a diverse group of small and large business representatives, "Gen Y" students and teachers, and county/municipal officials and employees who support America's investment in NASA and human space exploration.

"In this time of transition until our next generation spacecraft, the Orion / Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, is ready to fly, it is even more critical that we keep members of Congress fully informed of the importance of human space exploration. Last year we worked closely with our congressional delegation to ensure the passage of the 2010 NASA Authorization Act. We must continue to be diligent to make absolutely sure that this administration funds the programs that Congress authorized and approved," stated Bob Mitchell, President, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. BAHEP is home to the CSE-Texas Committee, chaired by Joe Mayer, senior manager, Business Development and External Relations for Lockheed Martin.

One of the priorities of CSE is to inform elected officials of the importance their constituents place on the space program. Among these constituent travelers this year were 24 undergraduate and graduate students, from colleges and universities across the nation, who traveled as part of the CSE group. A number of organizations sponsored the students whose majors include planetary geology and astronomy, aerospace engineering, astrophysics, aviation business administration, mechanical engineering, math and physics. The future of the space program and its many initiatives relate directly to their future careers. The students wanted to ensure that their representatives were aware not only of their support of NASA but also of the electoral influence that they and their fellow students and faculty carry.

Interaction between the elected officials and CSE extended beyond congressional offices when they gathered for a CSE-sponsored Congressional Reception in D.C., on June 1, 2011. Attending the reception were: Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX-8), Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL-5), Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX-17), Rep. Gene Green (D-TX-29), Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX-4), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18), Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX-22), who emceed the event, and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX-21).

Mitchell stated, "NASA has led the world for 50 years in space exploration, and it is the world's best example of proven technology in this highly complicated and dangerous field of endeavor. Investing in NASA is vital to the nation's economy, security and leadership. Congress and this nation cannot afford to do otherwise."

David Braun, BAHEP aerospace marketing manager, was instrumental in handling the logistics for the trip, which took months to organize. "It's important to speak with as many members of Congress as we can over a short span of time," he said. "We are optimistic that this huge effort will result in a positive outcome for NASA funding in the FY2012 federal budget."

While the trip is a lot of work for those involved, there is some fun too. This year, Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX-1) gave the travelers a special behind the scenes tour of the U.S. Capitol the last night of the trip. Congressman Gohmert was a history major at Texas A&M, and that was evident in the facts about the Capitol that he shared in the four-hour tour that he led.

For more information on the work of the CSE, contact Braun at 832-536-3255 or send an email to david@bayareahouston.com

2011 March Trip Executive Summary (Word Document)
2011 March Trip Recap (PowerPoint Presentation)
2011 May Trip Point Paper (Word Document)
2011 May Trip Executive Summary (Word Document)
2011 May Trip Recap (PowerPoint Presentation)
2011 May Trip Photo Slideshow

2010 March Trip Point Paper (Word Document)
2010 March Trip Recap (PowerPoint Presentation)
2010 May Trip Point Paper (Word Document)
2010 May Trip Executive Summary (Word Document)
2010 May Trip Recap (PowerPoint Presentation)
2010 May Washington DC Trip Slideshow

2009 Trip Report (Word Document)
2009 Washington DC Trip Slideshow

2008 Trip Report
2008 Presentation
2008 Summary Assessment Report

2008 Washington DC Trip Slideshow
2007 Trip Report
2007 Washington Presentation
2007 Summary Assessment Report
2007 Congressional Office Visits Slideshow
2007 Congressional Reception Slideshow
2007 Traveler's Briefing Slideshow
2007 DC Sightseeing Tour Slideshow

2006 Washington Presentation
2006 Trip Assessment
2006 DC Trip Slideshow

2005 Washington Presentation
2005 Summary Assessment Report
2005 Washington Slideshow

2004 Washington Presentation
2004 Trip Assessment
2004 DC Trip Slideshow

2003 Washington Presentation
2003 DC Trip Assessment
2003 Washington DC Trip Slideshow