HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - If there is a bright spot to the automatic spending cuts set go to into effect next week, it's that NASA doesn't appear to be in the crosshairs.

During a speech today at the Washington Update Luncheon at the Von Braun Center, Brooks spoke in encouraging terms when asked what impact the budget cuts, known as sequestration, would have on Marshall Space Flight Center.

Brooks began his answer by saying he had breakfast today with Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, who talked recently with Robert Lightfoot - the former director of Marshall who last year was promoted to associate administrator at NASA.

"I think Marshall, based on the information I'm getting from Mayor Battle and elsewhere, is going to survive sequestration a little bit better than most of the centers around the country," Brooks said. "Time will tell if that's the way it plays out."

It puts NASA in a somewhat unique position, given that the space agency has been a target in recent years of budget cuts and canceled programs.

The apparent sequestration reprieve, however, shouldn't be misunderstood as full Congressional endorsement, Brooks said.

"The short time I've been in Congress, I have noticed a disturbing trend that the budget for NASA is getting harder and harder to sustain it or even keep it from dropping too much," said Brooks, who began his second term in the House last month.

"That's a reflection again of the big picture of the deficit and debt and what's going to be cut and what's not going to be cut."

Brooks said he will continue to work with the Alabama delegation, particularly Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, to fight for NASA funding.

"I'm going to continue to work with Senators Sessions and Shelby to try to continue a program that has done such wonders for American exceptionalism, for advancement of American knowledge and advancement of technology with all the spin-offs that have helped the economy," Brooks said.

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Marshall Space Flight Center may feel minimal hit from sequestration, Rep. Mo Brooks said