"...almost any American would agree that the core function of NASA is to explore space...That's what inspires little boys and little girls across this country. I am concerned that NASA in the current environment has lost its full focus on that core mission."While this sole focus may not be what NASA had in mind, as Administrator Bolden stated in response at the same hearing, at least we are dealing with a chairman who is not trying to defund NASA. Instead, he is trying to realign it. Now this does not excuse Senator Cruz's denial of global climate change, but it makes sense to seize on any opportunity to fund space exploration.
Yes, I know many would like to send the Senator on a one way trip to the moon (without an accompanying spacesuit), but let's see how this plays out.