Answer:
President Kennedy raised concern for lagging behind in the space race against their major rival (Soviet Union).
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sputnik Satellite was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, and this has ignited the space race. The victory of the Soviets jarred the American people and prompted a concerted reaction within the federal government to ensure that the US won't fall behind its Communist rival. President Kennedy recognized the need to restore confidence in the country and wanted not only to suit the Soviets but to overtake them. He appeared before Congress on May 25, 1961, and called for an estimated 7 billion to 9 billion for the space program under the urgent national needs program.