President Donald Trump Signed NASA Bill Supporting Mars Exploration But 2018 Space Agency Budget Was Reduced

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President Donald Trump approved $19.5 billion budget to fund National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) programs of the current year. He signed a bill into law on Tuesday, March 21 that renews the mission of NASA to add exploration of Mars.

According to TIME, Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a chief sponsor of the bill joined various astronauts and lawmakers in the Oval Office. They come together to witness President Trump sign the bill. This is the first time in seven years that NASA got an authorization bill, he said.

Last week, President Donald Trump released to Congress a budget proposal that would permit $19.1 billion, which is a reduced budget for NASA expenses next year. "For almost six decades, NASA's work has inspired millions and millions of Americans to imagine distant worlds and a better future right here on earth," President Trump said. He expressed his joy in signing the bill. It's been a long time for this kind of bill to be approved, he added.

President Donald Trump also updated the country's commitment to the main mission of NASA: the human space exploration, space science, and technology. According to USA TODAY, the bill passed by Congress includes continues financial assistance of commercial companies' programs and a profound space exploration. It also gives support to the International Space Station and early preparation for the Mars mission.

President Donald Trump requested Vice President Pence to lead the National Space Council, and that the United States would begin establishing and ruling to the stars. The Oval Office audience included two former Republican leading enemies of President Trump. They are the senators from states that deeply invested in NASA: Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas. The two alongside other members of Congress commended the project.

Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla. also attended the ceremony. He traveled into space in 1986 through the Space Shuttle Columbia.