Under Kosmas’ Watch, NASA Jobs in Jeopardy

Kosmas Campaign Promises Go Unfulfilled, Space Coast Jobs Hang in Balance
Six Months into Term, Is Kosmas Still Unprepared on Space Issues?

Washington – NASA jobs on Florida’s Space Coast are being threatened by congressional Democrats (Walter Alarkon, “NASA states going ballistic over cash cuts,” The Hill, 6/11/09), and it’s happening on the watch of Suzanne Kosmas.

“Suzanne Kosmas promised her constituents that she would protect NASA funding and local jobs, and she has failed,” said Ken Spain, NRCC Communications Director. “Representing a NASA district as a member of the majority is a big responsibility, and Suzanne Kosmas just doesn’t appear to be cut out for it.”

BACKGROUND:

• A 2008 Orlando Sentinel article indicated that Kosmas was unprepared on space issues:
“But attacking [Kosmas’ opponent] on space could be risky for Kosmas, a real-estate broker with little background in the issue. A recent interview indicates she knows far less about NASA and the space program than does [her opponent]…In response to questions, for example, Kosmas was unsure how much NASA spends on climate research compared to other priorities. And she could not answer questions on the planned use of Russian spacecraft by American astronauts. (Mark Matthews, “Candidates exchange jabs on KSC funds,” Orlando Sentinel, 6/5/08)

• Despite her ignorance of NASA issues, Kosmas cynically used them to attack her 2008 opponent: (Mark Matthews, “Kosmas campaign tries to box Feeney into corner on NASA,” Orlando Sentinel “Central Florida Political Pulse” blog, 10/9/08)

• During this year’s stimulus debate, Kosmas put party loyalty ahead of NASA funding:
“Kosmas also made clear she far prefers the bill passed by the House to the Senate version, even though that package includes more money for NASA.” (Staff, “Kosmas backs stimulus bill after appearance with Obama,” Orlando Sentinel “Central Florida Political Pulse” blog, 2/10/09

• Kosmas voted for the stimulus package, which fell woefully short of NASA’s requests (Stewart Powell, “Stimulus bill leaves NASA with less than requested,” Houston Chronicle, 1/29/09)
• Kosmas made full funding of NASA’s requests one of her top campaign promises:
“I will always fight to ensure that the Kennedy Space Center is given what it needs to remain strong and continue its spirit of exploration and excellence and will also fight to fully fund NASA's requests in our national budget.” (Suzanne Kosmas campaign website, http://kosmasforcongress.com/priorities/space, accessed 6/11/09)

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