US senator warns 'China is cheering' for proposed NASA budget cuts

The proposed cuts to NASA's budget are drawing sharp criticism from US lawmakers, with one saying: "If you cut this budget, you cut into the heart of America's leadership when it comes to space exploration."

The comments were made by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D) outside the gates of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, which could be shuttered if lawmakers pass the Trump administration's budget proposal.

Van Hollen posted: "We will fight like hell to stop this assault on American innovation and leadership."

Representatives Steny Hoyer and Glenn Ivey joined the Maryland Senator in opposing the cuts reportedly proposed in the passback budget document handed to the US space agency.

"China is cheering this every step of the way," added the Senator.

Van Hollen is no stranger to protesting cuts and program cancellations. In September 2024, he cosigned a letter [PDF] expressing concern at the cancellation ...