27330 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 19 October 16, 2007 Yeager’s footsteps, flying newly de- Committee, I am well aware that this amazing landing on the Moon, and successfully send- signed aircraft at higher and higher achievement was not an isolated event. It is ing the first Viking landers and orbiters to speeds to help scientists and engineers just one thrilling chapter in the great story of Mars; gain critical knowledge about tran- Whereas NASA Langley Research Center is American aviation and aerospace. one of the leading aerospace research labora- sonic and supersonic flight. I am pleased that our predecessors in Con- tories in the world and has consistently been Only 6 years later, Chuck Yeager flew gress recognized the importance of aero- a source of technology that has made aero- another Bell-designed rocket plane at nautics, and invested in it. space a major factor in commerce and na- more than twice the speed of sound. Americans were drawn to the challenges of tional defense; A veteran of the Second World War, advancing the state of aeronautics, and they Whereas NASA Langley Research Center General Yeager flew P–51 Mustangs in gave much of their discipline and intelligence aeronautics research has benefitted the the European theater. He ended the United States military tremendously to overcome seemingly insurmountable tech- through the application of new technologies war credited with 61 missions and 11.5 nical obstacles. shootdowns of enemy aircraft, includ- to the Nation’s military, commercial, and At times, bravery was required, too, and the experimental aircraft; ing five kills in just 1 day. He was him- breaking of the sound barrier is a good exam- Whereas NASA Langley Research Center self shot down over France, and with ple of that. continues to make significant innovative the help of the French Resistance, was Today we honor the 60th anniversary of contributions to aviation safety, efficient able to make his way back to England Captain Chuck Yeager’s breaking of the sound performance, and revolutionary vehicle de- where he continued flying against the barrier, but we also take inspiration from it to signs for flight in all atmospheres, including developing key technologies for the next Axis powers. renew our commitment to ensuring that Amer- In the years following his historic generation of air transportation systems; ica remains preeminent in aeronautics R&D. flight, General Yeager continued an il- Whereas NASA Langley Research Center I urge my colleagues to support this resolu- lustrious career in the Air Force. has contributed through its research over tion. the past several decades critical technologies Among other accomplishments, he was Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the United States aviation industry, the first commanding officer of the Air back the balance of my time. which is a vital sector of the economy that Force Aerospace Research Pilot School The SPEAKER pro tempore. The employs over two million Americans and and a commander of fighter wings and question is on the motion offered by comprises roughly nine percent of the coun- try’s gross national product; squadrons in Germany and southeast the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Asia during the Vietnam War. He also Whereas NASA Langley Research Center LAMPSON) that the House suspend the continued to work for NASA as a con- continues to provide critical research and rules and agree to the resolution, H. sulting test pilot. development that advances the Nation’s fu- Res. 736. On the 50th anniversary of his super- ture in space exploration, scientific dis- The question was taken; and (two- covery, systems analysis, and aeronautics re- sonic flight in 1997, General Yeager, thirds being in the affirmative) the search while generating $2.3 billion in rev- then 74, piloted an Air Force F–15 rules were suspended and the resolu- enue and 21,000 high-tech jobs for the United Eagle past mach 1. tion was agreed to. States economy; General Yeager is a native of West Whereas NASA Langley Research Center is Virginia and today resides in Cali- A motion to reconsider was laid on known for unparalleled technology transfer fornia. He’s a gifted pilot who spent his the table. to both aerospace and non-aerospace busi- career in service to his country, some- f nesses, and for its commitment to inspiring times at extreme risk, defending our the next generation of explorers, both of b 1915 shores and advancing our under- which have enormous benefit to the public and the national economy; and standing of aeronautics. COMMENDING NASA LANGLEY RE- Whereas NASA Langley Research Center Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to be a co- SEARCH CENTER ON ITS 90TH celebrates its 90th anniversary on October 26 sponsor and supporter of H. Res. 736, ANNIVERSARY and 27, 2007, and continues pioneering the commemorating the 60th anniversary Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I move next frontier in aeronautics and space: Now, of General Yeager’s first flight exceed- therefore, be it to suspend the rules and agree to the ing the speed of sound. And with that, Resolved by the House of Representatives (the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 222) I would urge my colleagues to support Senate concurring), That Congress congratu- commending NASA Langley Research lates and commends the men and women of this resolution. NASA Langley Research Center for their ac- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Center in Virginia on the celebration of its 90th anniversary on October 26 and complishments and role in inspiring the of my time. American people. Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I have 27, 2007. The Clerk read the title of the con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- no more speakers. I’ll just say that we ant to the rule, the gentleman from commend Chuck Yeager for his bravery current resolution. Texas (Mr. LAMPSON) and the gen- and for the work that he did to give us The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows: tleman from Florida (Mr. FEENEY) each an opportunity to change the world, will control 20 minutes. and we are quite excited about what H. CON. RES. 222 The Chair recognizes the gentleman transpired since that time and looking Whereas in 1917, the Nation’s first civilian from Texas. aeronautical research laboratory was estab- forward to what’s going to happen in GENERAL LEAVE the future. lished by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in Virginia, and named Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask With that, Mr. Speaker, I encourage unanimous consent that all Members all of our colleagues to enthusiasti- Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory; Whereas such laboratory, now called the may have 5 legislative days to revise cally support this resolution. National Aeronautics and Space Association and extend their remarks and to in- Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise (NASA) Langley Research Center, is one of clude extraneous material on the reso- in strong support of this resolution. the Nation’s most prolific and most honored lution now under consideration. I am an original cosponsor of H. Res. 736 aerospace laboratories with a rich history of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there because it is important to recognize one of the pioneering aviation breakthroughs, explor- objection to the request of the gen- amazing achievements of the Nation’s aero- ing the universe, and conducting ground tleman from Texas? nautics R&D enterprise. breaking climate research; There was no objection. I also think it important to honor Captain Whereas NASA Langley Research Center Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield helped give birth to the space age by, among Yeager and the other brave test pilots who myself such time as I may consume. have helped push back the boundaries of other accomplishments, conceiving and man- aging Project Mercury, the first United I rise today in strong support of H. flight—with results that have benefited our se- States manned space program, training the Con. Res. 222 which honors the 90th an- curity, our economic well-being, and our qual- original seven astronauts, proving the niversary of NASA Langley Research ity of life. feasability of the lunar orbiter rendezvous, Center. As Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics developing the lunar excursion module con- House Concurrent Resolution 222 was Subcommittee of the Science and Technology cept and research facilities for simulating introduced by the late Representative

VerDate Mar 15 2010 11:34 Aug 24, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H16OC7.002 H16OC7 cprice-sewell on DSK89S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD October 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 19 27331 Jo Ann Davis. Her four terms in Con- Langley has been an important part of space, which became known as Project gress were characterized by hard work each U.S. space program, from Project Gemini. And later that decade, as and dedication, and I am sorry that she Mercury through the space shuttle and Project Apollo was preparing to land can’t be here today to take part in the space station programs. It was a the first man on the Moon, NASA these proceedings. small group from Langley that deter- Langley’s facility served as the astro- NASA Langley is a special place. In- mined the lunar orbit rendezvous strat- naut training ground for lunar orbit stitutions come and go in our society. egy for sending Apollo to the Moon. and landing. You have got to be impressed with an Today, as one of NASA’s 10 field cen- Under Director Lesa Roe’s dedicated enterprise that has delivered so reli- ters, Langley NASA is an important leadership, NASA Langley will con- ably over the past nine decades. Lo- part of the vision for space exploration. tinue to play a critical role as we pre- cated not very far from here in coastal Langley is helping to develop a re- pare to return to the Moon and look Virginia, Langley Memorial Aero- placement for the space shuttle, evalu- beyond to Mars. nautical Laboratory was the Nation’s ating conceptual designs and wind tun- NASA Langley is performing an inte- first government aeronautics labora- nels at speeds in excess of 5,000 miles gral part of Project Constellation. tory. an hour. Langley has partnered with They have been given the responsi- If I were to list all of Langley’s di- researchers around the world to study bility to manage the Launch Abort verse accomplishments, we would be Earth from space. The clouds in the System for the new follow-on for the space shuttle, the Crew Exploration here until midnight. Langley research Earth’s radiant energy system, or Vehicle, or CEV. In addition, they are teams earned many Collier Trophies CERES, breaks ground in data accu- greatly assisting in the design and over the years, an award bestowed each racy. And NASA researchers at Lang- wind tunnel testing of the CEV and year for the top contribution to Amer- ley are busy studying atmospheres on Crew Launch Vehicle. ican aviation. Their wind tunnel exper- other planets in support of future ex- Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago we com- tise brought benefits to American avia- ploration activities. memorated the 40th anniversary of the tion era after era. Their first Collier So, Mr. Speaker, with this resolution launch of Sputnik and the beginning of Trophy was one for engine cowling re- Congress congratulates and commends the space race. It is fitting that today search, which brought immediate large the men and women of NASA Langley we commemorate NASA Langley Re- benefit to the aviation industry, result- Research Center for their accomplish- search Center, which has and will con- ing in greater speed of travel and enor- ments and role in inspiring American tinue to play such an integral role in mous cost savings. Later, Langley people. I urge my colleagues to support our Nation’s constant pursuit of the built the world’s first full-scale tunnel. this resolution. next frontier. I urge my colleagues to The Harrier Vertical Takeoff and I reserve the balance of my time. support H. Con. Resolution 222. Landfighter; the F–16; American’s su- Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I re- personic transport, SST; the space thank the gentleman, Mr. LAMPSON, serve the balance of my time. shuttle; and the lunar landing test ve- from Texas. I yield the first 4 minutes Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank hicle have all been evaluated in this fa- of our time to the gentlelady from Vir- the gentleman from Texas, and I would cility, which is still in use. ginia, Mrs. THELMA DRAKE. like to rise in support of H. Con. Reso- The science of aviation developed Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise lution 222, commending NASA on the rapidly, with Langley often leading the today in strong support of House Con- occasion of the 90th anniversary of the charge. No ivory tower, Langley has current Resolution 222, commending founding of the Langley Research Cen- been so effective because of its con- NASA Langley Research Center in ter, located in Hampton, Virginia. tinual interactions with the aviation Hampton, Virginia, on the celebration This legislation was introduced by community. Our military aircraft, of their 90th anniversary, and out of re- our friend and colleague, Representa- which have turned the tide again and spect to my friend and our colleague, tive Jo Ann Davis, just a week before again, did so with capabilities devel- Jo Ann Davis, who so ably represented she succumbed to cancer; and it is with oped at Langley. Their aeronautics test NASA Langley and who introduced mixed emotion that I stand here today and analysis capabilities brought this, her last resolution, just 4 days be- to talk about this resolution. American aviation and aerospace to fore she passed away. Mrs. Davis was proud to represent world preeminence and maintained Established in 1917 by the National the engineers and technicians at NASA that standing. Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, Langley Research Center who have This is a great success story. Today, NASA Langley Research Center is the made the United States aeronautics re- the aeronautics and aviation-related oldest of NASA’s 10 major field centers search and testing the envy of the industries are responsible for 11 million and the Nation’s first civilian aero- world for 90 years. First established as the Langley Me- U.S. jobs and are America’s largest nautical research facility. morial Aeronautical Laboratory in source of exports. Americans rely upon Research there began with 15 employ- 1917, it was the Nation’s first civil aer- the aviation industry’s safe and reli- ees. Today, NASA Langley boasts a onautics research laboratory under the workforce of over 3,600. And from the able transport of people and products. charter of the National Advisory Com- very beginning, NASA Langley has In our country, aviation and aerospace mittee for Aeronautics, the precursor been on the cutting edge of research account for 5.4 percent of the Nation’s to modern-day NASA. It was created at gross domestic product. Add in avia- into all aspects of aeronautics, from a time when the United States was tion-related industries, and it is 9 per- fixed wing to rotor craft, from pro- clearly lagging behind its European cent. Investments in core technologies peller engines to jet engines. In fact, counterparts in the development of air- such as aeronautics pay off. whether subsonic, supersonic, or craft capable of controlled powered Langley is also responsible for basic hypersonic, NASA Langley Research flight. aeronautics research in support of the Center has always been on the fore- Our country’s leaders well under- Next Generation Air and Traffic Con- front of mankind’s consistent refusal stood that the future economic and trol System, NextGen, which we are so to keep both feet on the ground. military well-being our country de- anxious to have put into effect. Lang- NASA Langley is uniquely suited to manded development of advanced aero- ley leads initiatives in aviation safety realize the current administration’s nautics capability, and Langley’s and in quiet aircraft technologies. bold new vision for space exploration. founding was motivated in part by the The aerospace industry has changed In 1958, as Project Mercury was com- evolution of aircraft used in the first rapidly, with Langley often leading the mencing, NASA Langley served as the World War and by our desire to match way. Langley staff work closely with main office for the first U.S. manned and exceed these capabilities. Bell Aircraft Corporation and the Air space program. In the early 1960s, The center is named after one of Force in the design of the X–1, the first NASA Langley served as a training America’s earliest aeronautical pio- aircraft to break the sound barrier. center for rendezvous and docking in neers, Samuel Pierpont Langley, who

VerDate Mar 15 2010 11:34 Aug 24, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H16OC7.002 H16OC7 cprice-sewell on DSK89S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 27332 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 19 October 16, 2007 began his research into aeronautical working to make our planes and our through the Viking program, and is machines in 1886. Perhaps inauspi- skies safer, and Mrs. Davis believed also currently engaged in development ciously, Samuel Langley’s final crewed that this is a worthwhile investment of of the next generation of spacecraft es- test flight ended in failure when his taxpayers’ money. sential to maintaining our leading role aircraft, launched from the top of a I am pleased to join with my col- in space exploration. houseboat, immediately plummeted leagues to commemorate the Langley I urge my colleagues to join me in into the Potomac River. Just 9 days Research Center on its anniversary, commending this facility’s contribu- later, on December 17, 1903, Orville and and I urge members to support this res- tions to the scientific world and the se- Wilbur Wright successfully achieved olution. curity of our country, and in doing so, the first flight on the dunes of Kitty Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of honor our late colleague, Congress- Hawk, North Carolina. my time. woman Jo Ann Davis. During the ensuing decades, Langley Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I re- Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I have no Research Center’s research and devel- serve the balance of my time. further speakers, and would yield back opment activities advanced the science Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I would the balance of my time. of aeronautics from simple propelled- like to yield 4 minutes to the gen- Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I think driven aircraft into the jet age. tleman from Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE). that the NASA Langley is a real jewel Their accomplishments are too nu- Mr. GOODLATTE. I thank the gen- for advancement of science and engi- merous to mention here, but it is no tleman from Florida for yielding, and I neering in the United States of Amer- exaggeration to state that Langley was rise today to commend the National ica, and I think it’s fitting that we rec- the nexus from which fundamental Aeronautics and Space Administration ognize this anniversary, their 90th, and technological breakthroughs in propul- Langley Research Center on its 90th at the same time, honor our colleague sion, aerodynamics, materials, aircraft anniversary, and, in doing so, express Jo Ann Davis for the hard work that and wing designs propelled our Nation my respect for the resolution’s sponsor, she did, the great work that she did in to become the world’s preeminent de- Representative Jo Ann Davis. the United States House of Representa- signer and builder of high-performance tives. b 1930 military and civil aircraft. I encourage my colleagues to support In 1958, responding to the launch of Congresswoman Davis worked tire- this legislation. Sputnik, Congress passed legislation lessly to fight for the constituents of Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise creating the National Aeronautics and the First District of Virginia. This res- in strong support of Concurrent Resolution Space Administration, and with it the olution was the last measure that she 222, because I believe NASA’s Langley Re- Langley Research Center’s mission was introduced in this body before she search Center to be a national treasure. With expanded to lead our Nation’s earliest passed on just 10 days ago on October 6. this resolution we are acknowledging nine efforts in manned space flight. I see it as only fitting that we pass it decades of outstanding technological achieve- Many of the initial planning, design, in a timely manner to honor this re- ment. test, and development activities re- search center and our late colleague. However, before I continue, I must note with lated to Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo Since its inception as the Langley sadness that the driving force behind this res- were conducted at Langley. Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory in olution, Ms. Jo Ann Davis, is no longer with was the first of 10 research centers that 1917, the focus of research at this facil- us. In addition to all of the other important now comprise NASA, and a number of ity has significantly changed, yet this causes and issues for which she was such an highly talented engineers and sci- research center remains on the fore- articulate spokeswoman, she was an ardent entists who began their careers at front of scientific advances. These ad- champion of the importance of NASA’s aero- Langley eventually helped establish vances not only benefit the larger sci- nautics R&D programs. I shall miss her as we the other NASA centers. entific community but have also all will, and I am sorry that this is the last time Langley’s role in space continues to played a crucial role in our national se- that I will be able to have the opportunity to this day, contributing its talents to curity and daily lives. speak in support of one of her initiatives. testing the design of the new Ares One The men and women of the Langley One of the strengths of the Langley Re- Launch Vehicle and the design testing Research Center have made countless search Center over the past nine decades has of the Orion Launch Abort System. contributions to the scientific commu- been that while Langley researchers are ex- The Langley Research Center is home nity and our aeronautic and space pro- perts in scientific theory, they are able to work to 3,600 civil service and contractor em- grams in particular. From its crucial with many others throughout the aerospace ployees, and it houses several of the role in advancing flight as early as the community. They aren’t an isolated research world’s most advanced wind tunnels First World War to the training for op- lab, but instead have always worked shoulder- and aeronautics laboratories. eration of the lunar module of the to-shoulder with industry and with dynamic Mr. Speaker, Langley’s record of Apollo program, which subsequently people at other government agencies, includ- achievements in aeronautics and aero- transported the first and only human ing DOD. In short, the researchers at Langley space research is without comparison; life to the surface of the Moon, this fa- are problem solvers. and it is a testament to the creativity, cility has been responsible for numer- Step into the Air and Space museum and dedication, hard work, and technical ous scientific breakthroughs for an as- with the first glance one grasps how rapidly excellence of the men and women who tonishing 9 decades. aeronautics has developed. The X–1, the first contributed their talents to the agen- Aeronautics played a critical role in manned aircraft to break the sound barrier, cy’s mission. the First and Second World Wars, pro- was designed by Langley staff. Nearby are bi- But as a word of caution, it bears viding our military with a strategic ad- planes from the First World War. The separa- mentioning that U.S. aeronautics re- vantage that contributed to our vic- tion in time is just thirty years, but what a dif- search and testing programs are declin- tories in these two major global strug- ference! ing, no matter that countries in Eu- gles. Subsequent advances in this field The folks at Langley played a large role in rope and elsewhere are investing heav- and the field of aeronautics provided that transformation, and in further advances in ily in aeronautics research. The health the United States with the ability to aeronautics and in space exploration, with the of the U.S. aviation industry depends achieve superiority in space explo- latter spanning their work on Mercury, Gemini, upon aeronautics research and develop- ration. These efforts have been crucial the Lunar Orbiter, Apollo, Viking, the Space ment, especially long-term research to our national defense and continue to Shuttle, and Space Station programs. They that private industry cannot perform play a major role in combating ter- have been a critical enabler of our modern air itself, in order to compete in the world rorism. transportation system. market. NASA is the only Federal The Langley Research Center is also Last year, U.S. air passengers exceeded agency that supports research on civil- responsible for sending the first orbit- 750 million. To handle even busier skies, the ian aircraft. Their researchers are ers and landers to the planet Mars Next Generation Air Traffic Control System

VerDate Mar 15 2010 11:34 Aug 24, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR07\H16OC7.002 H16OC7 cprice-sewell on DSK89S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD October 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 19 27333 (NextGen) is being devised. NASA Langley It has always been the case that when certainly be missed. It is my hope that the Vir- plays an important role in that effort. America is united toward a difficult challenge ginia delegation can continue this strong sup- For example, to test advanced concepts of we rise to the occasion and succeed. port for NASA Langley and look forward to aircraft self-separation, Langley conducted air- There is no greater example of this fact than more anniversaries to come. traffic-management research in its Air Traffic the success of the American space program. Mr. LAMPSON. I yield back the bal- Operations Lab, in partnership with NASA With all of the incredible developments of ance of my time. Ames Research Center, Boeing, MITRE Corp. the last 50 years one can only wonder what The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. and United Parcel Service. the next 50 will bring. WALZ of Minnesota). The question is on As another example, the NASA Aviation Perhaps a permanent settlement on the the motion offered by the gentleman Safety Program—a partnership with the Fed- moon. from Texas (Mr. LAMPSON) that the eral Aviation Administration, aircraft manufac- Perhaps a manned mission to Mars. House suspend the rules and agree to turers, airlines, and the Department of De- One can only imagine what incredible ad- the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. fense that is led by Langley—recently tested a vances such efforts will bring to our society. 222. new way to predict thunderstorm turbulence. One thing is certain—that when America The question was taken. We can’t overlook the importance of military reaches for the stars—the sky is the limit to The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the aviation to American freedom, and the impor- what we can achieve. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being tance of Langley to military aviation. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the affirmative, the ayes have it. For example, during World War II, Langley today in strong support of House Concurrent Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I used wind tunnel expertise to design modifica- Resolution 222, which honors the NASA Lang- demand the yeas and nays. tions to fighter aircraft to improve their per- ley Research Center on its 90th Anniversary. The yeas and nays were ordered. formance. Aerial dogfights were mostly con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Started in 1917 as the nation’s first aero- tests between technologies, and a small im- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the nautical research laboratory, NASA Langley provement could make the difference between Chair’s prior announcement, further has become a world leader in aeronautics re- life and death. proceedings on this motion will be search and has led the charge in developing Like the rest of NASA, NASA Langley pro- postponed. technology to improve the field of aeronautics. motes private sector participation with the f Small Business Innovation Research program NASA Langley has worked to improve aircraft and the Small Business Technology Transfer landing systems, the shape of aircraft wings, REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- program. The creation and transfer of innova- and the safety of hypersonic flight. NASA VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF tion is a key goal at Langley. The Center de- Langley also tests the configuration of many H.R. 3773, RESTORE ACT OF 2007 livers a steady flow of inventions and patents, commercial and military aircraft models in its Mr. WELCH of Vermont (during con- across a range of technical areas. unique wind tunnel system. Finally, the Center sideration of H. Con. Res. 222), from the In aeronautics and in space flight, Langley’s is conducting work to enable pilots to better Committee on Rules, submitted a priv- parade of achievements has inspired genera- land in bad weather through the use of sat- ileged report (Rept. No. 110–385) on the tions of Americans, and has helped set the ellite and global positioning information. These resolution (H. Res. 746) providing for pace of American technological advancement. improvements have led and will continue to consideration of the bill (H.R. 3773) to We need places like NASA Langley, and I lead to critical advances in both commercial amend the Foreign Intelligence Sur- hope that as we look back over its 90 years and military aircraft. The increased safety re- veillance Act of 1978 to establish a pro- and celebrate its achievements, we are mind- sulting from these advances benefits us all. cedure for authorizing certain acquisi- ful of our future and work to maintain a strong NASA Langley has also played a key role in tions of foreign intelligence, and for and vital aerospace R&D capability at Langley furthering space exploration. From the first other purposes, which was referred to and throughout our nation. manned space exploration mission to sending the House Calendar and ordered to be Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I landers and rovers to Mars, NASA Langley printed. rise in strong support of this resolution cele- has made significant contributions to make f brating 50 years of America reaching for the these journeys possible. NASA Langley stars. trained the original seven astronauts who flew FREE AT LAST—DEPUTY SHERIFF Fifty years ago when the Soviets launched with the Mercury 7 mission—the first national GILMER HERNANDEZ Sputnik our Nation was thrown into a panic manned space flight. The Center also led the (Mr. POE asked and was given per- because we believed we had fallen behind our Viking mission to Mars—the first successful mission to address the House for 1 major adversary. U.S. to that planet. After the Columbia shuttle minute.) That was true and America responded. tragedy in 2003, NASA Langley performed Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, Deputy Sher- Our Nation came together and made it a na- critical work to determine how to return shut- iff Gilmer Hernandez is 1 of 3 deputies tional priority to advance our technology and tles safely to space, including conducing re- in Edwards County, Texas. This county challenge the Soviets in the space race. search in aero-thermodynamics and structures is the size of Delaware. This effort had an impact on my family as and materials used in space shuttle tech- While on duty at night recently in my father answered the Nation’s call to work nology. These missions have helped to keep Rocksprings, Texas, an SUV ran a red at the Redstone Rocket Factory with Werner the U.S. at the forefront of space exploration. light. Hernandez pulled the vehicle Von Braun. over. The vehicle sped off and then Those efforts produced the rockets that NASA Langley is also doing its part to get tried to run down Deputy Hernandez. launched the first satellites, put an American the next generation prepared and excited He shot out the 2 tires in self-defense. into space, and ultimately landed a man on about working for NASA. Through its edu- It turned out the vehicle was smug- the moon. cation programs, NASA reaches out to stu- The impact of the American space program dents to get them involved and excited about gling 9 illegals. One illegal was injured on our Nation—and the efforts of the hundreds the fields of Science, Technology, Engineer- by a ricochet bullet. The Sheriff’s De- of thousands of people who participated in it— ing, and Math (or STEM). partment and the Texas Rangers inves- cannot be understated. I would like to thank NASA for its continued tigated the shooting and cleared Her- Today people from across our Nation and recognition of NASA Langley as a viable, thriv- nandez. But the Mexican Government the world can watch these proceedings live ing part of the NASA community. I would also demanded prosecution by the U.S. Jus- due to satellite broadcast. We can commu- like to thank the individuals who have worked tice Department, and over a year later nicate via cell phones and e-mail. We can and who are currently working at NASA Lang- the U.S. Attorney’s office prosecuted cook our food in microwave ovens. We can ley for their sustained efforts in making the Hernandez for alleged civil rights vio- access information immediately over the Inter- Center a world leader in the aeronautics and lations. The 9 illegals and the human net. All of these advancements can trace their space exploration fields. Finally, I would like to smuggler were allowed to stay in the roots to the American space program. recognize the leadership of my former col- United States. Hernandez was con- The fact is that our space program has dra- league, the late Representative Jo Ann Davis, victed and sent to prison. But yester- matically changed our Nation and our world on this resolution. Congresswoman Davis was day he was released from prison and re- for the better. a tireless champion for NASA Langley and will turned home to Rocksprings, Texas as

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