CHC Hosts Inflight Conversation with NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio & Administrator Bill Nelson

CHC Communications | Brian Garcia | brian.garcia3@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON D.C. – On Thursday, July 13, 2023, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Nanette Barragán and CHC Members hosted NASA Administrator Bill Nelson for a conversation with astronaut Dr. Frank Rubio, who is inflight orbiting the earth on the International Space Station.

Rubio spoke with the CHC about his history-making spaceflight, his journey to become NASA’s first astronaut of Salvadoran origin, and the importance of fostering a diverse aerospace workforce. CHC Members conversed with Rubio on ways they can work together to increase Latino representation across the space & aeronautics industry. Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Maxwell Frost (FL-10) had the opportunity to speak directly with Rubio alongside Chair Barragán with Rep. Yadira Caraveo (CO-08) also asking a question in Spanish.

“Ensuring that Latinos and minorities are well-represented across all industries, including the aerospace field, is critical for a strong and robust workforce,” said Chair Barragán. “As the nation's first Salvadoran-American in space, his story and journey serve as inspiration for millions of Latinos across America -- motivating them to reach for the stars. The CHC will continue to work with leaders across every industry to strengthen Latino representation at all levels.”

Administrator Nelson also shared with the CHC that Rubio will soon break the record for the longest American to stay in space. This will improve NASA’s understanding of space’s effects on the human body and serve as a historic milestone. A recording of the conversation can be viewed here.  

###