The fight to save Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars exploration program is officially on in Congress, which on Friday rejected an attempt by NASA officials to start downsizing Mars work ahead of schedule.

President Obama's proposed NASA budget for 2013 would cut $226 million in future Mars work, eliminating joint missions with the European Space Agency in 2016 and 2018 that would be led by JPL. The reduced Mars workload could cost hundreds of jobs at JPL, including those of many scientists involved with creating the Mars rovers.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), who has opposed the cuts, said the temporary reprieve will force lawmakers to debate the future of Mars exploration.

“While this decision does not in itself stave off possible future cuts, it will enable Congress time to fully analyze — and I hope reject — NASA's poorly thought-out plan to diminish the Mars program. It is a very positive step in the right direction,” Schiff said.