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OPINION:
Picture this: American astronauts making their way across the lunar surface only to be greeted by a “No Trespassing” sign written in Mandarin. That’s not science fiction. It’s the future if the United States doesn’t lead.
It’s not enough to say we’re in a new space race. This isn’t just about exploration; it’s a race for global leadership, national security and economic strength.
The credit for recognizing this urgency and fixing our trajectory upward and outward goes to none other than President Trump.
Early in his first term, Mr. Trump signed the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017, cementing bipartisan support for deep space exploration. Soon afterward, he signed Space Policy Directive-1, mandating America’s return to the moon as the first step toward human missions to Mars and beyond.
These actions reignited America’s enthusiasm for space and gave us purpose again. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Mr. Trump provided that vision. Now, we must see it through.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act built on the foundation laid during the first Trump administration, delivering the resources to continue our path back to the moon. It strengthened U.S. leadership in space by funding NASA and the Artemis program, including the Artemis 4 and 5 missions. This wasn’t by accident. Mr. Trump understands the moon is a strategic steppingstone and America cannot afford to lose.
Congress is fully aligned with this mission, as reaffirmed by House and Senate appropriators this year. NASA’s Moon to Mars program is the law, and the Artemis program is the cornerstone. We are committed to planting Old Glory on the moon again before Mr. Trump’s term ends.
Here’s the problem: Although Congress is working to ensure NASA has what it needs, the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed budget doesn’t align with Mr. Trump’s directives. To be blunt: OMB needs to start rowing in the same direction. We don’t have time for budget games.
Why does this matter so much? Because returning American astronauts to our closest celestial neighbor isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic. The moon offers critical resources such as water ice and minerals, and it’s the perfect proving ground for systems before we take the next giant leap to Mars.
Let’s be clear: China’s space ambitions aren’t about science but power projection beyond Earth. If the Chinese plant their flag first, they will set the rules of the road for the moon and beyond. Do we want the first lunar rule book coming from China instead of the United States?
That’s why we can’t afford delays or distractions. Some are calling for a pivot to commercial lunar services now. Make no mistake: Congress supports an orderly transition to commercial solutions once systems are proven, but changing horses midstream would jeopardize our timeline and risk ceding the commanding position of the high ground in space to Beijing.
Right now, we need every option on the table. Premature decisions that limit choices will cost us the moon and maybe Mars.
Mr. Trump is a winner. America is a winner when we lead in space. The mission is clear: Return to the lunar frontier and then go on to Mars. We’ve got to do it fast, do it first and do it right.
The moon isn’t just a destination; it’s a declaration that America leads and always will.
• Rep. Brian Babin represents Texas’ 36th Congressional District and serves as chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.
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