Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.es560 - Commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Marshall Space Flight Center and recognizing its continued leadership in the development of the Space Launch System and human space exploration. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.Res.560 commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and recognizes its leadership in the development of the Space Launch System (SLS) and human space exploration. The resolution acknowledges MSFC's historical role in the Apollo program and its continued contributions to NASA programs like Skylab, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the International Space Station. It also reaffirms support for MSFC's ongoing mission and the Artemis program.

Expected Effects

This resolution is largely symbolic, expressing the House of Representatives' support for MSFC and its contributions to space exploration. It does not directly allocate funding or change existing laws. However, it could influence future decisions regarding NASA's budget and priorities, potentially bolstering support for MSFC and the SLS program.

Potential Benefits 4/5

  • Recognition of MSFC's contributions: Acknowledges the center's historical and ongoing role in space exploration.
  • Support for STEM education: Highlights MSFC's role in promoting STEM education and high-tech jobs.
  • Boost to the aerospace industry: Reinforces MSFC's position as an anchor for the aerospace industry.
  • Encouragement for future space exploration: Reaffirms support for the Artemis program and future crewed missions.
  • Symbolic value: Provides a morale boost to MSFC employees and the broader space community.

Potential Disadvantages

  • No direct funding: The resolution does not guarantee any additional funding for MSFC or NASA.
  • Potential for misplaced priorities: Over-reliance on SLS may divert resources from other innovative space technologies.
  • Opportunity cost: Resources allocated to MSFC and SLS could potentially be used for other pressing national needs.
  • Limited practical impact: The resolution is primarily symbolic and may not lead to tangible changes.
  • Dependence on government funding: Continued reliance on government funding makes MSFC vulnerable to budget cuts.

Constitutional Alignment 4/5

The resolution appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), which allows the government to promote scientific and technological advancements. Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to "provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States," could also be interpreted to support government investment in space exploration and related technologies. The resolution does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).