On National Space Day, I reflect on my journey from leading NASA to becoming Virgin Galactic's first CEO. One of my proudest moments was flying the first woman to space on a commercial vehicle, highlighting the power of innovation and diversity in space.
As Vice Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I leverage my experience to advance space exploration and strengthen U.S. leadership in science and technology. I'm dedicated to creating jobs and fostering STEM education to bridge classroom learning with real-world opportunities.
However, ongoing cuts to NASA’s budget threaten our leadership in space, jeopardizing both innovation and job creation. We must prioritize space exploration to maintain America’s role as a global leader in technology and economic growth.