WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Parker Griffith, R-Huntsville, met Wednesday with astronauts of the STS-130 in Washington, where the crew outlined the accomplishments of their February mission to the International Space Station and talked about the importance of human spaceflight.
"I was honored to talk with the STS-130 crew and listen to the accomplishments that were made during their February mission," said Griffith. "North Alabama has played an integral part in advancing U.S. space exploration, and it was demonstrated again by the crew's briefing on their most recent mission. The research and technology that goes into manned space flight is vital to our country's national defense.
"Getting a first-hand account from these astronauts who have explored space makes it even more understandable why the mission of manned space flight must continue," Griffith said. "The administration is making a mistake when trying to cut funding for Constellation and I remain steadfast in my support for this vital program."