Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Kendrick Meek's Statement On The NASA Budget Announcement

Meek: "I Will Work Tirelessly to Ensure That Florida Remains a Global Center for Space Flight and Discovery."

Miami Gardens, Fla. - Today, U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek issued the following statement regarding the Obama's administration's decision to end the Constellation Program:

"For decades, Floridians have stood at the forefront of innovation and discovery in space. Continuing space exploration is critical to the future of Florida and the nation. It's one element that drives the state's economy.

"Ending manned NASA missions to the moon would put 7,000 direct Florida jobs in jeopardy, as well as thousands of others that support the program. The proposition of losing thousands of Florida jobs is unacceptable.

"These individuals are highly skilled workers who are working hard to keep the United States at the forefront of technological development and scientific study. The fact that we would potentially lose our sharpest minds to China or India because these experts cannot find a job at home would be a major loss for Florida."