AL.com | House passes FY 2013 funding measure with $2.119 billion for new NASA rocket

House passes FY 2013 funding measure with $2.119 billion for new NASA rocket
By Lee Roop | AL.com | March 6, 2013

WASHINGTON -- The House has passed a Continuing Resolution funding measure for the second half of fiscal year 2013 that gives NASA $2.119 billion for the Space Launch System. (See the full CR below) NASA is developing the booster part of that rocket system in Huntsville, Alabama.

"A Continuing Resolution is a less than perfect way to budget," said Alabama 4th District Congressman Robert Aderholt of Haleyville. "While I'm disappointed we could not complete the normal appropriations process, there is a silver lining in the bill that passed the House today. This CR includes increased funding for a priority of mine, the Space Launch System (SLS). The SLS is important to our nation's work in space and to the economy of our area and I am glad to see these provisions included."

The bill will also pay for SLS-related ground operations and construction of the SLS B-2 test stand, Aderholt's office said.

The House voted on the bill Wednesday shortly before adjourning due to a winter storm hitting the area surrounding Washington. The measure now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

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