I want to welcome everyone here this morning for the Space Subcommittee's first mark-up of the 108th Congress. Let me also be the first to thank Chairman Boehlert for his leadership in tackling a difficult, and yet, crucial issue - NASA's workforce needs.

Today's markup concerns H.R. 1085, the NASA Flexibility Act of 2003. NASA is facing a crisis regarding its workforce. A significant portion of the workforce will be eligible to retire soon. So action needs to be taken. H.R. 1085 is intended to provide NASA the flexibility necessary to attract the best and brightest talent in the fields of engineering and science.

By helping NASA address the problem of recruiting and retaining highly skilled technical personnel, H.R. 1085 provides NASA with the authority needed to ensure that a skilled workforce continues to be our greatest asset for pushing the boundaries of new frontiers.

We will also mark-up the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. This bill authorizes funding for civil aviation research and development. It also calls for a joint FAA and NASA initiative aimed at solving the problems facing our national air traffic management system.

This morning I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I am confident that our efforts today will help to maintain our leadership role in aerospace.