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Babin to support NASA's mission from new chair position
Jennifer Reiley, Houston Chronicle 

With a new leadership position in Congress, freshman U.S. Rep. Brian Babin says he will work to support NASA's mission to boost America in space exploration.

Babin was appointed as chairman of the House Space Subcommittee of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee Monday. NASA's Johnson Space Center lies within Babin's district and will likely be a topic of conversation as discussions of space exploration move forward.

Babin said in a statement Monday that his goal is "to strengthen NASA's core exploration mission, create an environment for commercial space ventures to thrive, and build a clear vision for America's space program."

Rep. Lamar Smith, also from Texas, is chairman of the committee. He said in an official statement that with discussions already occurring in Congress about America' space program, "Congressmen Babin has proven to be a knowledgeable and capable member of this committee, and I look forward to working with him in his new leadership role."

The subcommittee is scheduled to meet Thursday for discussion of America's air travel.