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termsofsurrender t1_iwc2n3n wrote

For me, the big takeaway is that Senator Shelby (R-AL) is retiring. This changes the context of Artemis funding in regards to SLS. However, as SLS has subcontractors in all 50 states, this change may mean nothing.

As an aside, I find Berger is entirely satisfactory as a space rocket journalist.

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PhilosophusFuturum t1_iwe0gbb wrote

I did a little jig when I found out that Kelly won re-election and that Shelby was retiring. And I guarantee you some higher-ups at NASA popped some Champaign over the news.

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toodroot t1_iwd6pzs wrote

Senator Shelby's replacement is his former chief of staff, Katie Britt.

Edit: mo info

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termsofsurrender t1_iwdahd3 wrote

Will she have the same political power as Shelby? Same committee seats?

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Tuna-Fish2 t1_iwglu18 wrote

It doesn't matter who the Alabama senator is, or from which party. The economy of the state benefits so disproportionally from the program that anyone who gets elected will find themself in support of it.

What matters is that Shelby is one of the most influential senators, because of his seniority and connections. Whoever replaces him won't have that, and the federal spigot to Alabama is going to be turned a lot lower for a while.

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