Senate Proposes Boost for NASA as Trump Budget Cuts Loom
Washington, D.C. — In response to President Donald Trump’s budget proposal, which seeks to slash funding for NASA and the Artemis program, the Senate is working to enhance space initiatives vital to Huntsville. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, led by Chairman Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, has unveiled plans to allocate $4.1 billion to support Artemis IV and V missions, utilizing the Space Launch System (SLS) managed at Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget suggests terminating the SLS and limiting the Orion capsule to three missions. Contrarily, the Senate’s plan includes $2.6 billion for the lunar Gateway space station and $20 million to procure a fourth Orion crew vehicle to transition astronauts to the Gateway and back.
The reconciliation text emphasizes that SLS funding would not exclude embracing new commercial options as they develop. Marshall Space Flight Center is also set to receive $100 million for critical infrastructure repairs.
Local officials highlight the importance of NASA’s Artemis program, noting it remains the only means for the U.S. and its allies to achieve crewed lunar missions before 2030. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce warns that neglecting this program would allow other nations, particularly China, to dominate lunar exploration.
Overall, the Senate committee’s directives propose nearly $10 billion in supplemental funding for space initiatives that include “Mars-forward infrastructure,” the broader Moon-to-Mars program, and NASA’s Artemis missions. Funding for the SLS forms the largest share of these priorities.
Additionally, the International Space Station is set to receive $1.25 billion over five years to support its operations. With aims to vote on the reconciliation bill before July 4, any approved changes must return to the House before proceeding to Trump’s desk.
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