Right now, astronauts are in space — traveling farther than humans have gone in decades as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission.

At the very same time, the White House has proposed cutting NASA’s budget by about $5.6 billion — a 23% reduction — including nearly a 50% cut to the agency’s science programs.

These cuts come while missions like Artemis II are actively pushing forward, laying the groundwork for returning humans to the Moon and eventually reaching Mars. Scientists and experts warn that reducing research funding could undermine the very programs that make these missions possible — from understanding space radiation to developing the technologies needed to keep astronauts safe.

This isn’t just about one mission. NASA’s work drives innovation, supports high-skilled jobs, and helps maintain U.S. leadership in space at a time of increasing global competition.

We are calling on Congress to reject deep cuts to NASA’s budget and ensure continued investment in both exploration and science.

At a moment of progress and possibility, the United States should be moving forward — not stepping back.