Cochran panel OKs R&D for MS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, praised provisions of an FY 2016 commerce, justice, science and related agencies’ appropriations bill that could provide continued scientific research and rocket engine development at Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center and the state’s four research universities. The bill was approved June 11 by the Senate Appropriations Committee on a 27-3 vote. Highlights of the bill for Mississippi include: $1.9 billion for the Space Launch System. Main engine testing is ongoing at the A-1 test stand and eventually will utilize the historic B-2 test stand at the Stennis Space Center; and &18 million for the NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research to promote long-term improvements in the research capabilities of academic institutions such as the state’s four research universities at the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi and Jackson State University. The appropriations bill is now available for consideration by the full Senate. (Source: Y’all Politics 06/13/15)