Launch Cleared: Congress Fuels America’s Next Moon Mission

Washington, D.C. – Following enactment of the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Republicans are fueling American ingenuity and scientific discovery to secure space superiority and push the next frontier forward. The successful launch of Artemis II – the first crewed deep space mission in more than half a century – demonstrates these NASA investments are delivering and ensures America, not our adversaries, leads the return to the Moon.
 
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) said, "Our nation is celebrating a milestone more than 50 years in the making! The Artemis mission is not only our pathway to the Moon, but to Mars. This Moon launch is a testament to remarkable innovation and public-private partnerships that are launching America ahead of global competition. We send our best wishes to the historic Artemis II Astronauts - Wiseman, Glover, Koch and Hansen! We look forward to their safe return and historic mission reports."
 
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, "This nation was forged by proving the impossible can be done. From our first step on the Moon to the next mission ahead, we are pushing that legacy forward. The next golden era of U.S. leadership in space – defined by strength, discovery, and dominance – starts with vision but is delivered by deliberate, sustained funding. That's how America stays first. Artemis II is supported by full-year appropriations that provide the stability NASA needs to plan, build, and launch with confidence. At every stage, these investments – led by Republicans – sustain the expedition and the ground-breaking achievements that will define our next generation. President Trump is driving a strategy that puts America firmly in the lead of all domains, and we stand with him. I congratulate NASA and the esteemed crew on a safe and successful launch – and wish them continued success on this historic mission."
 
Background: 

• NASA is undertaking a major milestone in returning humans to the Moon with the Artemis II launch.
• This will be the first NASA launch in over 50 years that will send humans into deep space.
• We are in the midst of a new space race, this time with China. Winning this race is crucial to American success in space and the exploration of the new frontier – Mars.
• Administrator Isaacman and President Trump have laid out a bold vision for returning Americans to the Moon before 2030.
• The Appropriations Committee stands ready to support NASA in this endeavor and to advance President Trump's agenda for American space superiority.
• The FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by President Trump, provided $24.438 billion for NASA, supporting the critical NASA Artemis program to advance American leadership in space and counter the CCP's malign ambitions.
• Republicans secured further investments to propel space exploration through the OBBBA to support NASA's next-generation missions and lunar capabilities.
• Together, these investments secure America's position in the next great power competition – anchoring a sustained U.S. presence on the Moon, capturing strategic resources like water, and ensuring the future of space is written by America, not its rivals.
• We were first on the Moon – now we're making sure America stays first – ushering in a golden era defined by strength, discovery, and dominance.

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