1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Vote against the proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget and not only restore but expand funding for NASA and JPL. A 40% increase in military spending is excessive when we already spend more than the next ten countries combined. That money should go toward space exploration and science instead. The Artemis II mission currently approaching the moon proves how much Americans care about space exploration. The stunning images of Earth and the Northern Lights have captured the nation's attention and reminded us why this work matters. NASA and JPL deserve more funding, not cuts. Their robotic exploration programs have delivered decades of scientific breakthroughs on budgets that are a fraction of what the Pentagon receives. JPL's robotic missions have explored Mars, the outer planets, and beyond at costs far below crewed missions while delivering extraordinary science. These programs advance our understanding of the universe, develop technologies that improve daily life, and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The military is important, but it doesn't need a 40% increase when space programs have broad public support and tangible returns. Expand NASA's budget. Expand JPL's budget. Reject this bloated defense spending.