national survey by the Council for Excellence in Government indicates that promoting space exploration is the only one of 16 tested items about which a plurality of Americans say the federal government has been very successful. Government indicates that promoting space exploration is the only one of 16 tested items about which a plurality of Americans say the federal government has been very successful.

"This survey demonstrates again the importance Americans place on exploration and discovery," NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin said, "and their belief that one of the most important roles of the federal government is to help push back the boundaries of knowledge. NASA is not only a crucial investment in our national future—it is also a tangible symbol to the American people of the greatness to which we aspire."

Goldin said NASA is gratified to learn from this survey that it has been successful in meeting the American public's needs. "NASA's original charter mandates that the agency widely disseminate the results of its activities," Goldin said. "As a result, the public has shared these experiences and many feel a sense of direct ownership or involvement in NASA's programs. This is how it should be—NASA's programs are, indeed, their programs."

For more information about the poll, contact the Council for Excellence in Government.
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