WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) joined Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) in introducing legislation recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Planetary Society. The Resolution is also cosponsored by Reps. Alan Lowenthal, Brad Sherman, Susan Davis, and Raul Grijalva. Founded by Carl Sagan, Louis Friedman, and Bruce Murray in 1980, the Planetary Society, based in Pasadena, California, has educated the public about space exploration and advocated for support of the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA). Rep. Chu and Bill Nye, Chief Executive Officer of the Planetary Society, issued the following statements:
“Few things can capture the human imagination quite like space exploration. And thanks to their decades of outreach and advocacy, the Planetary Society has put outer space in reach for so many people,” said Rep. Chu. “I am privileged to represent some of the greatest minds in science who have taken us to Mars and beyond. But these accomplishments would not have been possible without the amazing people at the Planetary Society who have helped Americans and people around the world understand the importance of space and space exploration. That includes the Federal government. As a Member of Congress, I have counted on the Planetary Society’s voice on Capitol Hill to advocate for the funding and resources that are necessary to advance this work. But they’re not only helping us to understand the accomplishments of today. Through education, the Planetary Society is helping to inspire the next generation of leaders who will take us even further. We are so fortunate to have an organization like the Planetary Society working to encourage science and exploration and I congratulate them on an incredible 40 years of success.”
“On behalf of the entire Planetary Society Board of Directors, our staff and most importantly our over 50,000 members from all around the world, I want to express our deepest appreciation to Congresswoman Chu, her fellow Members of Congress, and her team for taking the time to introduce this resolution,” said Nye. “The Planetary Society is unique. For the last forty years, as the world’s largest independent space organization, its staff and its members have worked to advance space exploration, the search for life elsewhere in the cosmos, and the protection of Earth from a catastrophic impact by an asteroid or comet. We are proud to work with important congressional decision-makers like Congresswoman Chu to learn more about the cosmos and our place within it. Since its founding, The Planetary Society has been headquartered in Pasadena, California. We are fortunate indeed to have leaders like Congresswoman Chu representing us.”
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