- United States
- N.Y.
- Letter
These workforce reductions at NASA are deeply concerning. The space program has long been a source of national pride and a driving force for scientific advancement benefiting all of humanity. Eliminating vital offices like the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, the Office of the Chief Scientist, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch undermines NASA's ability to lead in cutting-edge research and innovation while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for top talent. The agency's pioneering work in expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups, including the pivotal contributions of Black women mathematicians and engineers, has been instrumental to its success. Dismantling efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion is a step backwards that fails to uphold NASA's legacy of excellence through inclusivity. Furthermore, shifting resources away from NASA's skilled workforce towards private space companies raises concerns about maintaining robust governmental capabilities in space exploration for the benefit of all citizens, rather than private interests. A strong, well-funded NASA is vital for driving transformative science and technology that improves lives while inspiring future generations. I urge you to reconsider these harmful cuts and instead invest in bolstering NASA's diverse workforce, forward-looking research initiatives, and public service mission. The nation's space program should unite us in pursuit of ambitious goals that expand human knowledge and uplift society as a whole.
