Rep. Schiff Blasts NASA Decision to Cut Over 500 Jobs at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Washington, D.C.— Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released the following statement in response to federal budget cuts by NASA forcing the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to reduce its workforce by 530 employees, or 8 percent of its total staff, through layoffs.
“Today’s announcement that JPL will be forced to cut 530 jobs is a devastating blow to the talented men and women working on the Mars Sample Return mission, and to our nation's leadership in space exploration and scientific innovation. This unnecessary forced reduction by NASA not only undermines our commitment to the highest scientific priority in this field, but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of dedicated professionals who have contributed immensely to our understanding of the universe.
“The fact that NASA put JPL in the position to have to undertake such cuts flies in the face of Congressional intent and raises real concerns about our budgeting process for projects of this magnitude. The people behind our nation’s greatest achievements in space exploration deserve our support and commitment — not to lose their jobs because of a political decision.
“Our nation cannot afford to backpedal on our journey of discovery and innovation, and I will be doing everything possible to restore the funding of this critical mission and retain this remarkable workforce. This will not be the end of this mission or this matter.”
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