WTCNO

At the request of United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved two pieces of legislation that contain critical funding for Louisiana, including $3 billion for NASA that will help to keep jobs at Michoud Assembly Plant. The Fiscal Year 2011 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations Bill and the Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill were reported favorably by the Committee and await action by the full Senate.

Sen. Landrieu secured more than $3.25 million for Louisiana projects in the CJS Appropriations Bill and more than $9 million for Louisiana in the THUD Appropriations Bill.

Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill

The CJS Appropriations Bill includes $3 billion for NASA that will help to keep jobs at the Michoud Assembly Plant in New Orleans East. Additionally, important coastal restoration project funding, as well as funding for projects aimed at reducing violent crime in New Orleans, were included in this bill.

“The funding secured today for NASA will ensure that America remains the world leader in manned spaceflight by jumpstarting the development and construction of a new Heavy Lift Vehicle, while also continuing the development of the Orion Crew Capsule,” said Sen. Landrieu. “This is not only great news for the direction of the space program but will ensure that NASA’s skilled workforces, in locations like Michoud, will be able to resume work on a NASA-built Heavy Lift Vehicle in the near-term.”