Senator Ted Cruz, Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, emphasized the importance of NASA’s mission and continuity in U.S. space leadership during a committee hearing titled “There’s a Bad Moon on the Rise: Why Congress and NASA Must Thwart China in the Space Race.” The hearing addressed challenges facing NASA and efforts to ensure America remains at the forefront of space exploration.
Cruz highlighted bipartisan progress on a new NASA reauthorization bill as well as measures within the Senate Commerce Committee’s portion of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He stated these actions are intended to reinforce America’s position in space and counter China’s ambitions.
He warned against abrupt changes in NASA’s mission structure, stating that such shifts could undermine years of investment and progress. Cruz stressed that maintaining continuity is essential for national security and for achieving long-term goals like sustained human presence in low Earth orbit, returning astronauts to the Moon ahead of China, and preparing for future missions to Mars.
In his prepared remarks, Cruz said: “Today, we will discuss NASA’s progress, its challenges, and the path forward on the first comprehensive NASA authorization bill since 2017.
“When I was Chairman of this committee’s Space Subcommittee, Bill Nelson and I worked together on several pieces of space legislation that were signed into law by both Presidents Obama and Trump. Continuing that bipartisan tradition, this past March, my colleagues and I introduced a short-term NASA authorization bill.
“All these efforts reveal an important truth, which is this: there exists a strong, bipartisan consensus in Congress for backing the mission of NASA. For when it comes to the final frontier, we are not Republicans or Democrats. Rather, we are Americans first — and all of us know that for our country to continue doing incredible things in space, we must rely on NASA’s ingenuity and determination.
“NASA has always been one of America’s greatest engines of innovation. From Apollo to Artemis, from the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station, our space program reflects the best of American leadership.
“I look forward to continuing that tradition by working and enacting into law a longer-term reauthorization of NASA with my colleagues.
“This is a pivotal moment for our nation’s space programs. America must maintain leadership in low Earth orbit, while also embarking on a new era of exploration with Artemis. Make no mistake: we are in a new space race with China, and if we fail, there will be a bad Moon on the rise.
“China has made no secret of its goals. It is investing heavily in its space capabilities, maintaining a permanent presence in low Earth orbit with its Tiangong station, and working to plant its flag on the Moon by 2030.
“The stakes could not be higher. Space is no longer reserved for peaceful exploration. It is a strategic frontier with direct consequences for national security, economic growth, and technological leadership. If our adversaries achieve dominant space capabilities, it will pose a profound risk to America. This is not just about exploration. The choices we make now will determine whether the United States leads in space or cedes it to an authoritarian regime.
“That is why continuity in NASA’s programs is not simply good practice — it is a matter of national security. Any drastic changes in NASA’s architecture at this stage threaten U.S. leadership in space. Delays or disruptions only serve our competitors’ interests.
“Congress has spoken clearly on this matter. In the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which I was proud to champion, we reaffirmed support for NASA’s exploration programs.
“At a time when some have sought to prematurely dismantle the ISS — despite China’s presence in low earth orbit—Congress provided ample funding to continue the safe operations of the International Space Station as well as provide an on-ramp for follow-on commercial stations.
“And Congress also provided the funds necessary to sustain a presence on the Moon. Artemis 4 will deliver and assemble the first major elements of the Gateway station in lunar orbit, and Artemis 5 will expand surface exploration using that platform. These missions rely on the Space Launch System and Orion capsule to reach the Moon and Gateway station.
“It would be folly to cut short these missions after much of the hardware has already been purchased and, in some cases, delivered with no commercial alternative readily available. I look forward to working with the administration to ensure those funds are utilized in accordance with Congressional intent.
“We have seen overwhelming support for maintaining these programs from Senators – Republicans and Democrats alike. Congress supports NASA’s exploration goals, and we do not want sudden or disruptive changes that undermine America’s leadership.
“NASA is more than a symbol of national pride — it is a strategic capability that advances our economy, security, and values. The milestones ahead — maintaining continuous human presence in low Earth orbit, returning American astronauts to the Moon, preparing for human missions to Mars — are not just scientific achievements. They are fundamental to America’s role as the world’s leading spacefaring nation.
“America must remain the world leader in space. With steady leadership and clear direction,” Cruz concluded,“I am confident we will.”
