U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos said a federal shutdown hasn’t impacted the timeline for major NASA missions to date. But he worries the longer workers go without pay, the more the U.S. could be slowed down in the modern space race.

The Indian Harbour Beach Republican told Florida Politics he feels confident efforts like the current moon mission remain on track.

“The good news is that Artemis II is still on track and people are still working on these programs,” Haridopolos said. “Unfortunately, I think some of the other issues that might come up along the line could be delayed.”

Haridopolos said NASA, like many federal agencies, has seen many workers decline to come into work without a paycheck. Oct. 24 marked the first day workers missed out on an entire pay period.

“The

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