H4714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 20, 2000 Mr. Speaker, this is not a com- on H.R. 3859, the Social Security and Medi- The yeas and nays were ordered. plicated bill. It is very simple. It is ba- care Safe Deposit Box Act. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- sically saying that, for the first time in I thank my colleague, Congressman WALLY ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the more than 40 years, that we are not HERGER for creating this legislation which will Chair’s prior announcement, further going to spend the surplus, whatever reserve Medicare surplus dollars only for re- proceedings on this motion will be that surplus is. That is, in Medicare sponsible debt reduction or spending on the postponed. and Social Security, we are not going Medicare program. f to spend it. Very simply, whatever it Soon after today's vote, seniors will no b 1500 is, we are not going to spend. It brings longer need to fear that the money set aside about a point of order to ensure that for their Medicare and well being will be used CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO we do not. as a big government slush fund. ASTRONAUTS NEIL A. ARM- Look how far we have come. It was Similarly to the Social Security lock box STRONG, BUZZ ALDRIN, AND MI- only a few years ago that we were look- which passed by a vote of 417±2 last year, CHAEL COLLINS. ing at deficits of $200 billion and $300 this Medicare lock box is the right thing to do; Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I move to billion, and that did not even include the responsible thing to do. suspend the rules and pass the bill the surplus of Social Security or Medi- Today's vote is the first step in ensuring our (H.R. 2815) to present a congressional care. Then a few years ago, we were re- nation's seniors that they will no longer need gold medal to astronauts Neil A. Arm- porting $80 billion, $90 billion, $100 bil- to fear about whether they will be taken care strong. Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Col- lion surpluses; but that did include, I of in their old age. lins, the crew of Apollo 11. am afraid, Medicare and Social Secu- Today, Congress will make history because The Clerk read as follows: rity. today we begin the guarantee of security in H.R. 2815 But guess what, those surpluses were healthcare for our senior citizens. only half true. Every penny of those Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- surplus dollars were really Social Secu- resentatives of the United States of America in strong support of H.R. 3859, the Social Secu- Congress assembled, rity dollars. So what did we do? We rity and Medicare Safe Deposit Box Act of passed a Social Security lock box last SECTION 1. FINDINGS. 2000, and urge my colleagues to join in sup- The Congress finds the following: year that said that we would not spend port of this bill. any of the surplus of Social Security, (1) Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, as com- H.R. 3859 amends the Congressional Budg- mander of Apollo 11, achieved the historic and that passed. Now Congress and the et Act of 1974 to protect the net surplus of the accomplishment of piloting the Lunar Mod- President speak of budget surpluses Medicare Part A or Social Security trust funds ule ‘‘Eagle’’ to the surface of the Moon, and without Social Security being included by moving them ``off budget.'' Specifically, they became the first person to walk upon the in it. This amount is estimated to be may not be counted as part of the overall fed- Moon on July 20, 1969. $40 billion this year. eral surplus by either the President or the (2) Astronaut Buzz Aldrin joined Neil A. Now we are raising the bar one notch Congress. The bill further amends the Budget Armstrong in piloting the Lunar Module higher. We are saying that we are now ‘‘Eagle’’ to the surface of the Moon, and be- Act of 1974 to allow a point of order to protect came the second person to walk upon the going to stop raiding Medicare, just as Social Security surpluses in both the House we stopped raiding Social Security last Moon on July 20, 1969. and Senate from legislation whose enactment year. What we are doing is ensuring (3) Astronaut Michael Collins provided would either cause or increase an on-budget critical assistance to his fellow astronauts that Social Security recipients deserve deficit for a fiscal year, with the exception of that landed on the Moon by piloting the to know that their Medicare dollars are Social Security reform legislation. Command Module ‘‘Columbia’’ in the Moon’s not being spent on anything else except Moreover, H.R. 3859 also makes it out of orbit and communicating with Earth, there- Medicare. order for either chamber to consider any by allowing his fellow Apollo 11 astronauts This bill is a win-win. It is a win for to successfully complete their mission on measure whose enactment would cause the fiscal discipline. It is a win for Medi- the surface of the Moon. on-budget surplus for a fiscal year to be less care. Most importantly, it is a win for (4) By conquering the Moon at great per- than the projected surplus of the federal hos- our seniors. sonal risk to their safety, the three Apollo 11 I urge all my colleagues to support pital insurance trust fund for that fiscal year. astronauts advanced America scientifically and technologically, paving the way for fu- this Medicare and Social Security lock This provision makes an exception for Medi- care reform legislation. ture missions to other regions in space. box. (5) The Apollo 11 astronauts, by and Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is Finally, H.R. 3859 requires that any state- ment or official estimate issued by the Con- through their historic feat, united the coun- common knowledge that most of today's try in favor of continued space exploration American families can no longer live com- gressional Budget Office or the Office of Man- and research. agement and Budget must exclude any sur- fortably on one sole income, in fact, most SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. plus in the Social Security trust fund when households depend on at least two incomes, (a) PRESENTATION AUTHORIZED.—The Presi- and as if that wasn't enough, today's Amer- issuing totals of the surplus or deficit of the dent is authorized to present, on behalf of ican employees average more hours at work United States Government. The legislation ap- the Congress, gold medals of appropriate de- than employees from other nations. plies to fiscal year 2001 and future years. sign to astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Buzz It is crystal clear that Americans work hard Mr. Speaker, the Congress has made sig- Aldrin, and Michael Collins, in recognition nificant strides in the past three years with re- of their monumental and unprecedented feat for their paychecks, which is why it is disheart- of space exploration, as well as their ening to know that when a significant percent- gards to ending the practice of raiding the So- cial Security Trust Fund to mask the true size achievements in the advancement of science age of their hard earned money is involuntarily and promotion of the space program. of the Federal outlays. This legislation will en- removed for a Medicare fund, our government (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For the purpose will use it as a slush fund to operate com- sure that our practice of fiscal restraint will of the presentation referred to in subsection pletely unrelated programs from which our continue. (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter seniors will never benefit. By approving this bill, the House will dem- in this Act referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) Our nation's population is rapidly aging and onstrate to the American people its commit- shall strike a gold medal with suitable em- in response to this, Congress must make the ment to protecting the long term solvency of blems, devices, and inscriptions, to be deter- mined by the Secretary. protection of Medicare dollars a high priority in both the Social Security and Medicare sys- order to deliver healthcare for seniors. tems. For that reason, I urge my colleagues to SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS. Our seniors deserve the health care benefits lend it their strong support. Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may strike and they were promised. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal Our seniors need to know that they will re- struck under section 2 at a price sufficient to ceive adequate healthcare when they need it the gentleman from California (Mr. cover the costs of the medals, including most. HERGER) that the House suspend the labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and They need not be terrified, as many are, rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3859, as overhead expenses. about whether their doctor visits, treatments amended. SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS. and even prescriptions will be covered. The question was taken. The medals struck under this Act are na- Today, the House of Representatives hopes Mr. HERGER. Mr. Speaker, on that I tional medals for purposes of chapter 51 of to put seniors' worries at ease as we will vote demand the yeas and nays. title 31, United States Code. June 20, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4715 SEC. 5. PROCEEDS OF SALE. States, in 1969, should have taken the He resigned from NASA in 1970 and Amounts received from the sale of dupli- step of awarding these three heroes, was appointed Assistant Secretary of cate bronze medals under section 3 shall be these three explorers, these three great State for Public Affairs. In 1971, he be- deposited in the United States Mint Public patriots Congress’ highest award, the came Director of the National Air and Enterprise Fund. Congressional Gold Medal, and the Space Museum here in Washington, and The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. time has come to recognize these three became Under Secretary of the Smith- SHIMKUS). Pursuant to the rule, the extraordinary individuals, Neil Arm- sonian in April 1978. gentleman from Alabama (Mr. BACHUS) strong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Col- Mike retired from the Air Force with and the gentleman from New York (Mr. lins with this honor. Together, these the rank of Major General. He later be- LAFALCE) each will control 20 minutes. three pioneers propelled America ahead came vice president of the Vought Cor- The Chair recognizes the gentleman in the space race. They united a coun- poration. He currently heads Michael from Alabama (Mr. BACHUS). try and a Nation and a world torn in Collins Associates, a Washington, D.C. Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield conflict, and inspired future genera- consulting firm. myself such time as I may consume. tions to continue the pursuit of space Mr. Speaker, I never dreamed that 31 (Mr. BACHUS asked and was given exploration. years ago, as a young boy watching permission to revise and extend his re- Who were these men that did this that flickering screen at my Great marks.) monumental feat? Neil Armstrong was Aunt Della’s house, that I would have Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, on a clear born on August 5, 1930 in Wapakoneta, the incredible privilege of serving as a sunny Wednesday in July 1969, the first Ohio. He received his bachelor’s degree Member of this body and sponsoring human journey to the surface of the in aeronautical engineering at Purdue legislation for our Nation and our Con- moon began at Launch Complex 39 of and a master’s degree at USC. gress to recognize the contribution of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Neil made seven flights in the X–15 these three great heroes. They are Co- With the liftoff of Apollo 11, Com- program, reaching an altitude of over lumbus, Galileo, and Lindbergh all mander Neil Armstrong, Commander 207,500 feet. He was then the backup rolled into three, the three pilots of Module Pilot Michael Collins, and Buzz command pilot for Gemini 5. He was Apollo 11. They served our country, Aldrin were about to make history. the command pilot for Gemini 8. He they served the cause of peace, and the These three men accomplished what was the backup command pilot for spinoffs in technology that emanated others had been dreaming about for Gemini 11 and the backup commander from that massive Apollo program are centuries and what President John F. for Apollo 8. And, finally, the reason being felt every day today in our coun- Kennedy declared was a national pri- we are here today, he was the com- try, in biotech, in medicine, in health ority during the height of the Cold mander of the epic Apollo 11 flight on care, in computers. The list goes on War. In response to the Soviet Union’s that day in July, 1969. and on. We owe it all to the men and women stunning surprise with the first Following the mission, Neil worked who put their time and their efforts manned flight into space, the Ameri- as Deputy Associate Administrator for and their belief into our space pro- cans astonished the world by sur- Aeronautics at NASA. He then became gram, and that is symbolized in the passing the Soviet Union’s space pro- professor of aeronautical engineering person of the three men who boarded gram in a few short years. This accom- at the University of Cincinnati. He Apollo 11 on that day, almost 31 years plishment demonstrates the greatness served on the National Commission on ago, soared off into space, and did as of the American spirit, one based on Space from 1985 to 1986, and on the Neil Armstrong proudly proclaimed free enterprise, determination and pa- Presidential Commission on the Space triotism. from the moon, made one small step Shuttle Challenger Accident in 1986. for man and one giant leap for man- Mr. Speaker, we should have honored Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk kind. these three men years ago. It has been on the moon, was born in 1930 in Mr. LAFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield over 30 years ago since this accom- Montclair, New Jersey. He received his plishment. myself such time as I may consume. bachelor’s degree at the U.S. Military Mr. Speaker, today the House of Rep- Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he Academy in 1951 and a Ph.D. in astro- resentatives would honor with a Con- may consume to the gentleman from nautics at MIT in 1963. Buzz’s study of gressional Gold Medal to three Amer- California (Mr. ROGAN), and I want to astronautics contributed to the perfec- ican heroes, Neil Armstrong, Buzz commend him at this time as the spon- tion of space walking. Aldrin, and Michael Collins, the crew sor, the originator, of this legislation His spaceflights included also pilot- of Apollo 11. Together, these three as- to honor the Apollo 11 astronauts. I ing a Gemini 12 mission in 1966, and pi- tronauts conquered territory that would like to thank him on behalf of loting the Apollo 11 lunar module in countless generations of astronomers the entire House for bringing this legis- 1969. Buzz was backup pilot for Gemini and philosophers gazed at from afar but lation forward. 9 and backup command module pilot considered unconquerable; the surface Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank for Apollo 8. of Earth’s only satellite, the Moon. first my good friend from Alabama, the He resigned from NASA in 1971 to be- On July 20, 1969, President Kennedy’s distinguished subcommittee chair, for come Commandant of the Aerospace dream of seeing American astronauts yielding me this time. Research Pilot’s School at Edwards Air exploring the moon became a reality Mr. Speaker, I was 11 years old on Force Base. when the brave groundbreaking crew of July 20, 1969. For anybody of my gen- Buzz retired from the Air Force in Apollo 11 landed on the moon’s surface eration, particularly who was a young 1972 and became a consultant. Cur- and proclaimed to a spellbound Amer- person on that date, and who can re- rently he resides in Southern Cali- ica, in the words of Neil Armstrong, member, as I do, sitting in front of a fornia and lectures and consults on ‘‘One small step for man, one giant somewhat flickering black and white space sciences with Starcraft Enter- leap for mankind.’’ By awarding them television to see the grainy image of a prises. He has authored two books, Re- with a Congressional Medal, we honor human being coming down the ladder turn to Earth and Men From Earth. their bravery and valor and their major of the lunar module and setting foot on The third member of that historic contributions to humankind’s greatest the moon, that was an incredible mo- mission, Michael Collins, was born in technological achievement: sending hu- ment, not just in our Nation’s history 1930 in Rome, Italy. He received his mans into outer space to set foot on a but in the history of all mankind. Be- bachelor’s degree at the U.S. Military celestial body outside Earth. cause Americans were the ones to first Academy in 1952. The Apollo 11 landing ushered in a do what people for generations and for He piloted the Gemini 10 space flight new era of space exploration, thereby centuries and for a millennia had mere- in 1966. He served as a command mod- contributing to the advancement of ly dreamed about: Setting foot on the ule pilot for Apollo 11 in July 1969. scientific inquiry and the improvement surface of another celestial body. Mike also served as backup pilot for of the human condition. We owe much As the distinguished subcommittee Gemini 7 and pilot for Gemini 10. He of NASA’s and the United States’ space chairman noted, this is about 30 years had been assigned to Apollo 8 but was program’s current success to the pio- too late. The Congress of the United removed to undergo surgery. neering efforts of the Apollo 11 crew. H4716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 20, 2000 Our now routine space shuttle flights thing many of us have ever watched on The time has come to recognize these and the scientific experiments in TV. three extraordinary individuals, Neil weightlessness that they have facili- We soared above any strife we had in Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael tated are a direct outgrowth of the our country, and that was the power of Collins, with the Congressional Gold Apollo 11 mission to the Moon. that mission. Not only did we prove Medal. And here we are, 31 years after Many of us recall that July day in our dominance to the world, as far as Apollo 11, nearing the completion of 1969, when the Apollo 11 crew mesmer- technologically being able to accom- the construction of the International ized the Nation and the world as they plish it, but we proved to ourselves as Space Station, having seen a remark- took that historic leap for humankind. a Nation that, even in the midst of this able record of NASA accomplishments, As the entire Nation watched their tel- terrible war we were in, we could coa- the first space plane, the space shuttle, evision sets in amazement, the Apollo lesce behind a cause that would better capable of carrying a crew and payload 11 crew undertook their simple mission this place we live in and expand our ho- into space to do research, new wing de- of performing a manned lunar landing, rizons as Americans to look for in the signs for civilian aircraft, a revolution collecting lunar samples, and returning future. in Earth science as we have begun to to Earth with utmost professionalism I am pleased to be here supporting recognize the need to understand the and care. It was a greater success than and recognizing their actions. This is changes occurring in the Earth’s lands anyone could have hoped for, not to one of the best things we can do as a and oceans and atmosphere and new mention a major milestone in human country. views of the universe. Mr. LAFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield history. And the successful mission Space exploration has evolved over such time as he may consume to the will forever remain etched in our col- the past 30 years to more than just ro- lective conscience as a national symbol gentleman from Texas (Mr. LAMPSON). Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank mantic notions of collecting Moon of our unity. the gentleman for yielding me this rocks and taking pictures of other Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this planets in our solar system, and now is long overdue honor to the crew of Apol- time, and I rise today in support of H.R. 2815, a bill to award the Congres- the time to award a Congressional lo 11, three great American heroes who sional Gold Medal to Neil Armstrong, Medal to three individuals who contrib- will forever remind us of the greatness Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, the uted to our Nation’s knowledge of of our country’s pioneering spirit. space. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of crew of Apollo 11. When a young president named John Mr. LAFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve my time. Kennedy described his vision in 1961 of the balance of my time. Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 landing a man on the moon, he encoun- Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield minutes to the gentleman from Cali- tered many skeptics. Some said it myself such time as I may consume. fornia (Mr. KUYKENDALL), who has in could not be done; others said it would Mr. Speaker, on July 20, 1969, after a his district the headquarters of the cost too much money. But when I 4-day trip, the three Apollo astronauts U.S. Space and Missile System Com- watched Neil Armstrong take his first arrived on the surface of the Moon. mand. step on the moon 8 years later, I knew Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I, Upon arriving, Armstrong announced that the naysayers were wrong, and so like one of the earlier speakers, can sit ‘‘Houston, Tranquility Base here. The did my high school students, who back and remember what I was doing Eagle has landed.’’ huddled around that television set we that night. For me, it was in the These words ushered in a new era of have heard about on that unforgettable evening, as I recall, and I remember human exploration as the first man day. laying on the floor over at my flight to the Moon touched down with girlfriend’s apartment. She and her b 1515 less than 40 seconds of fuel remaining in its tanks. The astronauts had man- mother were sitting there; and we were I saw the gleam in their eyes that in- aged to make one last-minute maneu- watching that on television, watching spired them to become our future engi- ver to avoid landing on a field of boul- these three pioneers, three people that neers and scientists. nobody really knew who they were The Apollo 11 lunar landing is one of ders and a large crater, demonstrating other than they were astronauts. But the events in American history that the importance of manned space flight, here we were watching on TV what stands out as a moment that connects the human ability to adapt to demand- they were doing, landing on the moon. every American who was alive in July ing circumstances. I remember I was almost more as- of 1969. Six hours after landing on the After hours of exploring and experi- tounded at the fact that I could watch surface of the moon on July 20, with ments and those famous words ‘‘one them do it than I was that we techno- less than 30 seconds of fuel remaining, small step for man, one giant leap for logically had figured out how to send Commander Neil Armstrong took the mankind’’ uttered by Neil Armstrong, them there and bring them back in one ‘‘one small step for man, one giant leap the astronauts left a plaque stating: piece. for mankind’’ when he stepped off the ‘‘Here men from the planet Earth first That was during a time of strife in lunar module onto the surface of the set foot upon the Moon July 1969, A.D. our Nation. In my case, I was en route Moon. We came in peace for all mankind.’’ to Vietnam. Yet here was an action Minutes later, joined by Buzz Aldrin, The plaque was signed by Armstrong, taken by three heroes who stepped up, the two astronauts spent a total of 21 Collins, Aldrin, and President Richard and when they made that trip the hours on the lunar surface. After their Nixon. whole country could focus on them. historic walk on the Moon, they suc- The final phase of President Ken- The whole country could. It did not cessfully docked their lunar module nedy’s challenge was realized on July make any difference whether a person with the command module, piloted by 24, 1969, when these three astronauts was for or against that war, or whether fellow astronaut Michael Collins, who safely returned to Earth, splashing they were involved in college or wheth- made the mission possible by providing down aboard the Columbia, 812 nautical er they were a little kid or an elderly the crucial communications link be- miles southwest of Hawaii. Prior to member of our society, everybody tween the Moon and the Earth. splashdown, Buzz Aldrin summarized watched. Everybody did. Public opinion polls, the universal their magnificent accomplishments We all remember what we were doing tool of politics today, tell us that the with these words: ‘‘We feel this stands that night, what we were doing when lunar landings are seen by Americans as a symbol of the insatiable curiosity these three men soared away and they as one of the greatest achievements of all mankind to explore the un- stepped down off of that module and we during that century, on the level of known.’’ could see the dust kind of kick up from winning World War II. Together, these Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the his steps on the moon. There are foot- men propelled America ahead in the gentleman from Florida (Mr. WELDON), prints up there that will be there for space race, united a country torn over my good friend. eternity because of what these three the conflict in Vietnam, and inspired Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speak- men did. I think we all will remember future generations to continue the pur- er, I thank the gentleman for yielding that as probably the most important suit of space exploration. me the time. June 20, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4717 Mr. Speaker, I commend the author who inspired all of us by becoming the I urge my colleagues to support the of this piece of legislation, the gen- first person to set foot on the Moon. legislation. tleman from California (Mr. ROGAN). Facing tremendous personal risks Mr. LAFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 Landing on the Moon has been con- and very difficult technological chal- minutes to the distinguished gentle- sidered to be the crowning achievement lenges, Neil Armstrong and his fellow woman from Maryland (Mrs. MORELLA). of the 20th century. I am proud to say astronauts left an indelible impression Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I that, in my congressional district, Ken- on those of us on Earth. And the Apollo thank the gentleman from Alabama nedy Space Center was the departure mission will certainly go down as one (Mr. BACHUS) for yielding the time to point for this incredible adventure. of the most memorable achievements me. On July 20, 1969, the culmination of of the 20th century. Mr. Speaker, this is an excellent ex- man’s dream to go to the Moon was re- I certainly remember it. I was a 13- ample of bipartisan cooperation. I want alized. For the first time, people were year-old exchange student living with a to congratulate the gentleman from taking their first steps on a new world. family outside of Malmo, Sweden. We California (Mr. ROGAN) for introducing America led the way and showed the all crowded around a TV set in an this resolution. world how a republic can harness its apartment complex outside of Malmo I rise today in support of the resolu- power for scientific and peaceful pur- that night. I was the only American in tion to honor three American heroes poses. the apartment complex. But we all with the Congressional Gold Medal: Thirty years ago, American know- watched it, as citizens of the world, to Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Mi- how and technology and its techno- watch that memorable mission. And chael Collins. They inspired a genera- logical might was demonstrated in a the success of it when we heard ‘‘the tion of Americans, and their accom- way that benefited every human on the Eagle has landed’’ was the cause for plishment continues to stand as a tes- planet. Thirty years ago, we aimed celebration and applause. I remember tament to bravery and determination. ‘‘Houston, Tranquility Base here. higher than ever and accomplished it well. The Eagle has landed.’’ Almost 31 years that goal. Neil Armstrong has certainly com- ago, these words were uttered and the The names Michael Collins, Buzz piled a remarkable record of legacy of world was forever changed. Just a few Aldrin, and Neil Armstrong will forever service to our Nation as a fighter pilot, minutes later, Neil Armstrong, com- be etched in the edifice of human his- as an astronaut, a test pilot, a NASA mander of the Apollo 11 mission, de- tory next to the names of Columbus official, a scientist, a teacher, and now scended down the ladder of the lunar and Lindbergh. a successful businessman. And al- module and took the first step in the We all know by heart the phrases oft though his name has been forever powdery surface of the Moon, the first repeated this afternoon, ‘‘The Eagle linked with that historic Apollo 11 mis- person to walk on another world. has landed’’ and ‘‘That’s one small step sion and his famous words announcing Shortly after, he was joined on the for man, one giant leap for mankind.’’ ‘‘a giant leap for mankind,’’ Neil Arm- dusty landscape by the mission’s lunar Every one of us who was of age at the strong has never sought the limelight module pilot, Edwin Buzz Aldrin. time can recite to our children and and he has never exploited his fame for The journey began 8 years earlier grandchildren where we were at that personal gain. when President Kennedy issued the de- historic moment. The magic of tele- Instead, he has quietly and effec- cree before Congress: ‘‘I believe this vision helped take the whole world on tively found ways to give back to oth- Nation should commit itself to achiev- that most fantastic of voyages. We all ers. He has helped NASA in their space ing the goal, before this decade is out, thought that by now, in the year 2000, program. He has worked with another of landing a man on the Moon and re- we would have bases on the Moon and famous Cincinnatian, Dr. Henry turning him safely to Earth.’’ people on Mars. Sadly, we are not at Heimlich, to develop a miniature America answered the call. that point. heart-lung machine, the forerunner of Among the thousands of dreamers And it is even more sad that today the modern Micro Trach machine that who applied for the handful of positions we will be taking up the funding bill is used to deliver oxygen to patients. in the newly created astronaut corps for NASA, the VA–HUD bill, and there He has become a civic leader in were Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, will again be attempts by some to cut greater Cincinnati, including enriching and Buzz Aldrin. Already brilliant pi- our investment in the space program, our community as chairman of the lots and engineers, these men came to keeping us further bound here on board of the Cincinnati Museum of NASA to do a job as best they could. Earth. Natural History, where he led the suc- Neil Armstrong served in 78 combat Our efforts into space have an un- cessful effort to give the museum a re- missions in Korea for the Navy before canny ability to unite all peoples and birth in its new home at our Union joining NASA in 1955 in the high-speed excite the imagination like nothing Terminal. flight research program. He partici- else, particularly the imagination of Neil also owns a small farm in War- pated in cutting-edge flight tests, push- our young people. We should be proud ren County, Ohio, outside of Cin- ing the envelope to go faster and high- of our space program and continue to cinnati; and there he has been an ac- er. He was selected in the second group support it to the fullest extent pos- tive participant in civic activities. He of astronauts and commanded the sible, supporting this effort to award has assisted with the annual Warren Gemini 8 mission, which first accom- these three historic pioneers in this County Fair livestock auctions to sup- plished the task of docking with an- very, very appropriate way. port local 4–H programs. He has par- other spacecraft in orbit. The lunar Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 ticipated in local Boy Scouts troops. missions would have been impossible minutes to the gentleman from Ohio He has worked with other community without the ability to perform this (Mr. PORTMAN). leaders to establish an impressive task. Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank YMCA, called the Countryside YMCA, b my colleague, the chairman, for yield- outside of Lebanon, Ohio. And, yes, he 1530 ing me the time. I want to also con- has even helped coach the high school Buzz Aldrin was also a combat pilot gratulate the gentleman from Cali- football team. This is the Neil Arm- in Korea. He graduated from West fornia (Mr. ROGAN), my friend, for mov- strong I know. Point third in his class before receiving ing forward with this important legis- Neil Armstrong and the brave men of his commission in the Air Force. He at- lation to finally present our Apollo 11 Apollo 11 deserve this special congres- tended MIT, receiving a doctorate after astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz sional recognition for the remarkable completing his thesis concerning guid- Aldrin, and Michael Collins with a accomplishments over 30 years ago and ance for manned orbital rendezvous. He much deserved Congressional Gold their amazing legacy that inspires fu- flew as the pilot of the Gemini 12 mis- Medal. ture generations. sion, setting the record at the time for I am particularly interested in this My constituent, Neil Armstrong, also the longest space walk, testing impor- legislation because it involves a con- deserves recognition for his continued tant mobility characteristics of his stituent of mine, a friend of mine and efforts to make our world a better space suit, essential for future astro- a neighbor of mine, Neil Armstrong, place. nauts to walk on the Moon. H4718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 20, 2000 Michael Collins also graduated from grow up in Houston with the Johnson ture. But think what it was like for West Point before receiving his com- Space Center right there, and we had those first astronauts, think what it mission in the Air Force. He was a test all visited it as children in school, that was like for the Apollo astronauts and pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, like this really showed that America could those on the Apollo 11 mission who Neil Armstrong. He stayed at Edwards do something if America wanted to do were supposed to carry out all that had as a flight test officer until he was se- something. It was under the guise of been tested before them. lected as an astronaut. He flew on NASA but also these three astronauts, They proved to the world that we Gemini 10 which docked with an Agena Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Mi- were still a Nation that when it sets its spacecraft and he successfully used chael Collins, who instantly became mind to something can do almost any- that spacecraft’s power to maneuver American heroes, particularly to this thing. With those few minutes of video- into a higher orbit and rendezvous with young Houston boy at that time. tape, of Neil Armstrong and Buzz another Agena target space craft. He I want to commend my colleague Aldrin skipping across the surface of also conducted two space walks. from California for having the fore- the Moon and planting the American These three men were already heroes sight to introduce this bill. I am not flag, confidence in American ingenuity when they were selected to be astro- going to add to what has already been was reborn. Landing on the Moon may nauts for the Apollo 11 mission. The said. But as a native Houstonian, I am have been an American feat, but more dazzling success of Apollo 8’s 10 orbits particularly proud to have had the op- than that it was a pioneering event for around the Moon on Christmas the pre- portunity and now as a Representative the entire world, an achievement of hu- vious year and the successful tests of for part of Houston to be able to speak manity, and it opened to the entire the lunar module in Earth’s orbit on in favor of this bill and vote in favor of world a whole new realm of possibili- Apollo 9 and in lunar orbit on Apollo 10 it. ties. set the stage for the first mission to Mr. LAFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 As was mentioned, I have had the land on the Moon. minutes to the gentleman from Ala- privilege of representing Buzz Aldrin as On July 16, 1969, these brave astro- bama (Mr. BACHUS). a constituent. I would like to say a few nauts lifted off the launch pad in Flor- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. words in particular about him. Buzz’s ida aboard a Saturn 5 rocket and began SHIMKUS). Without objection, the gen- own life can be best illustrated by his the 4-day journey to the Moon. On July tleman from Alabama will control 5 ad- impressive resume and his dedication 20, the lunar module Eagle left Michael ditional minutes. to government service. He was a grad- Collins behind in the command module There was no objection. uate of West Point. He distinguished Columbia and began its descent to the Mr. LAFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield himself flying combat missions in the lunar surface. Missing the landing site, back the balance of my time. Korean War. After his military service, it took all the courage, determination Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank he earned an advanced degree from the and skill of the astronauts to set the the gentleman from New York (Mr. LA- prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Eagle safely in the ground in the Sea of FALCE) for yielding me the time. Let Technology. He then returned to serv- Tranquility with only a few seconds of me say before I yield that time to an- ing his country when he piloted one of fuel left. other speaker that I am wearing a Fa- the first manned rockets into space be- It was their ability and their bravery ther’s Day gift from my oldest son. I fore joining NASA and the Apollo pro- that saw America accomplish its am sure my colleagues have been ad- gram. dream. The work of thousands of peo- miring it and his good taste. Although it is hard to eclipse being ple culminated in those few moments Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my one of the first men to set foot on the of suspense just before the Eagle good friend, the gentleman from Cali- Moon, Buzz has continued to con- touched down. Many words can be said fornia (Mr. COX) who has in his district tribute to the advancement of space ex- to express the grandeur of the moment Buzz Aldrin as a constituent. ploration and become a nationally rec- but just a few hours later, Neil Arm- Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I too am ognized advocate for the space pro- strong said it best: ‘‘That’s one small pleased to rise in strong support of this gram. Even today, he earns national step for man, one giant leap for man- resolution which will present the Con- attention for his humanitarian efforts kind.’’ One small step for men and gressional Gold Medal to the three as- and his efforts with Sharespace, an or- women, one giant leap for people. tronauts who flew in the historic 1969 ganization which advocates human Mr. LAFALCE. Mr. Speaker, this past Apollo 11 mission. I want to congratu- space travel. It is Buzz’s notion that we Sunday was Father’s Day. Yesterday late the gentleman from California can raise money for the space program we passed a resolution honoring father- (Mr. ROGAN) for bringing this to the by letting Americans participate in the hood. floor and to the attention of the Na- opportunity to be in space. He is con- It is my pleasure to yield 3 minutes tion. Those three men who first set vinced that someday soon, sooner than to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. foot on the Moon’s surface and flew to later, that will be a real opportunity BENTSEN) the father of young Meredith the Moon, Neil Armstrong, Buzz for ordinary Americans. But it is not Bentsen who is present today. Aldrin, and Michael Collins, stand out just Buzz Aldrin, it is each of these (Mr. BENTSEN asked and was given as heroes to us now and in even greater three men, Neil Armstrong, Buzz permission to revise and extend his re- relief after the passage of so many dec- Aldrin, and Michael Collins that de- marks.) ades. serves the recognition that Congress is Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in We are now in a new century. We can seeking to bestow upon them today. strong support of this bill. I can re- look back to the events of the mid-20th I urge my colleagues to support this member 31 years ago at the time that century and see what were the great important legislation to present the this event occurred, it was a typical events and what were the minor ones. Congressional Gold Medal to the three steamy Saturday afternoon in the sum- This is truly an outstanding achieve- astronauts who flew in the historic 1969 mer in Houston. As a young boy as we ment not only of the 20th century but Apollo 11 mission. often did on Saturday afternoons, we of all time. So it is appropriate that we Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield were at a movie. I do not remember the are here today to recognize and honor myself such time as I may consume. title of the movie. As I recall I think it these three American heroes. Today we not only honor the three was about a tidal wave hitting an is- These men were tasked with a mis- astronauts, we also honor those other land. Anyway, it was a great action sion that was never before attempted heroes at NASA, for their achievement film that young boys and girls would by men or women. They participated in is a tribute to the thousands of engi- like at the time. I can remember they a space program that was then and is neers, scientists and others at NASA stopped the film and they said, ‘‘Apollo now still fraught with danger. My whose extraordinary efforts made the 11 has landed on the Moon.’’ It was the brother-in-law, Mike Gernhardt, is an journey possible. It is fitting that we most amazing event for a young boy astronaut. I have had the opportunity do so this year as we begin both a new and my friends and I sitting there to to watch him go up on the space shut- century and a new millennium. Amer- see that this had happened. This was tle more than once, and even today ica again faces new and bold challenges the crowning event of our childhood, to that is an extraordinarily risky ven- both in space and here on Earth. As we June 20, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4719 do so, the ingenuity, courage and de- Buzz was selected as one of NASA's origi- try's bravestÐpioneers who united this nation termination shown by the astronauts nal astronauts in October of 1963. And on July through their heroic feat: the astronauts of the can be our guide. Their love of freedom 20, 1969, the world watched in amazement as Apollo 11 mission. and pursuit of knowledge for the bet- Apollo 11 touched down on the moon and Thirty-one years ago next month, Com- terment of all mankind symbolizes the Buzz Aldrin became the 2nd man to set foot mander Neil A. Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot greatness of America. on another world. Edwin E. ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., and Command Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the I was in solitary confinement in a Vietnam Module Pilot Michael Collins completed what gentleman from California (Mr. prison with no news from the outside world. was an almost unthinkable task: a successful ROGAN), the sponsor of the bill. But, Buzz Aldrin, paused to remember me that manned moon landing. It is often noted that Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank day. He took a POW bracelet with my name each one of us remembers where we were my friend and colleague for yielding on it and an American flag to the moon to re- when Neil Armstrong spoke the words, ``The me this time. I also want to thank the member all the prisoners of war in Vietnam. Eagle has landed.'' Indeed, a part of each of distinguished ranking member and all And we will never forget that, Buzz. us traveled with these adventurers into space of my colleagues for their support in You would think that after a man walks on on their record-breaking mission. this most worthy legislation and for the moon, he could sit down and rest for their comments today. awhile. I am especially honored to salute the vision- We have spent the last few minutes But not Buzz Aldrin. Today, having retired ary Neil Armstrong, born in Wapakoneta, reflecting upon the feat of the Apollo from NASA, from the Air Force as a colonel, Ohio, which I am privileged to represent. 11 astronauts that occurred 31 summers and from his position as commander of the Wapakoneta boasts the recently renovated ago. Yet their greatest gift to mankind test pilot school at Edwards Air Force Base, Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum, which was not the footprints they left behind he is still working tirelessly to ensure a leading has on display various Apollo 11 artifacts, a on the Moon. Their greatest gift was role for America in manned space exploration. moon rock, and the Gemini 8 spacecraft Arm- what they brought home. They brought He is working on a spacecraft system that strong commanded in 1966. home a limitless concept of what would make perpetual orbits between Earth Mr. Speaker, the accomplishments of these Americans are capable of doing and a and Mars. three heroes are too numerous to compile. All limitless potential of what sheer Buzz has received numerous awards and three had distinguished military flying careers imagination can bring. Their bravery, medals, including the Presidential Medal of prior to their NASA days. All three were part their humility, and their contribution Freedom, the highest honor our country of the monumental Gemini program, which to man has brought unending honor to bestows. saw the first spacewalk by an American and our people and to our Nation. And now So, I believe this Congressional Medal of the first docking with another space vehicle. In it is the day and the time for the Con- Honor is long overdue for my friend Buzz the heart of the space race, these pioneers gress on behalf of the American people Aldrin and other Apollo 11 astronautsÐNeil set the stage for today's continuing exploration to honor them in this most appropriate Armstrong and Michael Collins. of the new frontier. They conquered the moon manner. I hope you will join me in honoring these despite the many unknown dangers of doing I urge adoption of this resolution. I three American heroes. so, and thereby paved the way for NASA's once again thank both the chairman Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I'm space shuttle program and the International and the ranking member for their gra- honored and excited to join Congressman JIM Space Station. Their bravery has inspired ciousness in supporting this. ROGAN and my colleagues today in authorizing thousands of young people around the nation Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the President to present astronauts Neil Arm- to pursue their hopes and dreams. the balance of my time to the gen- strong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael CollinsÐthe crew of the historic Apollo 11 missionÐwith a Indeed, their bravery cannot be heralded tleman from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON). enough. Before the mission, Michael Collins Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. congressional gold medal. As a cosponsor of commented: ``I think we will escape with our Speaker, Buzz Aldrin and I went this legislation and as Chairman of the House skins . . . but I wouldn't give better than even through flying school together. I just Science Committee, I have observed how odds on a successful landing and return. want to make that comment. He is a these three leaders of America's space pro- There are just too many things that can go true American hero. Probably a little gram continue to inspire generations of Ameri- wrong.'' Despite the obstacles and potentially known fact about him is his mother’s cans to dream beyond Earth and entertain the fatal problems, the Apollo 11 astronauts did name was Moon. Quite a coincidence. infinite possibilities of space exploration. achieve a successful landing and return, bol- He graduated from West Point with I doubt any American alive on that memo- stering the adventurous spirit of all Americans. honors, third in his class, but just to rable day in late July of 1969Ðthe 20th to be show how really smart he is, he ended exactÐwill ever forget the image of Neil Arm- Neil Armstrong once noted, ``We were three up in the Air Force. I could not resist strong first stepping foot onto the Lunar sur- individuals who had drawn, in a kind of lottery, that. face. Commander Armstrong presciently de- a momentous opportunity and a momentous He is working on a spacecraft system clared, ``That's one small step for man; one responsibility.'' Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins now that would make perpetual orbits giant leap for mankind,'' and America and the fulfilled this opportunity with dignity, courage, between Earth and Mars. I hope Mem- rest of the world watched in awe of the great- and honor. It is right that we recognize their bers will join me in honoring these est feat in space history. supreme accomplishment today by presenting three American heroes. These men provided courage and service to them with a congressional gold medal in com- Buzz Aldrin is a true American hero. A per- the U.S. beyond this memorable and daring memoration of their sacrifice. They ``came in haps little-known fact about Buzz is that his mission. Mr. Collins co-piloted the Gemini 10 peace for all mankind,'' as reads the plaque mother's maiden name was Moon. Quite a co- mission and later served as assistant sec- they left on the moon. Their achievements in incidence. But Buzz Aldrin was a great patriot retary of state for public affairs. Mr. Aldrin flew the advancement of space exploration have long before he ever set foot on the moon! over 60 combat missions in Korea and sur- revolutionized America, and renewed our He graduated from West Point with honors vived a 51¤2 hour space walk on the Gemini 12 sense of unity, pride, and hope for the future. in 1951, third in his class. And to show you mission. Mr. Armstrong left NASA in 1971 but just how smart he really is, he ended up in the continued his service through the National b 1545 Air Force after West Point. Commission on Space and helping lead the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. I first met Buzz Aldrin when we were in fly- presidential commission investigating the SHIMKUS). The question is on the mo- ing school together in 1951 in Bartow, Florida. Challenger explosion. And we were sent off to fight in Korea to- Mr. Speaker, these outstanding leaders em- tion offered by the gentleman from gether. Buzz flew 66 combat missions in body the values, principles, and dedication Alabama (Mr. BACHUS) that the House Korea as part of the 51st fighter interceptor that make our country the greatest in the suspend the rules and pass the bill, wing, where he shot down 2 MiG±15s. world. I'm proud to join my colleagues in work- H.R. 2815. Buzz earned his doctorate in astronautics ing to recognize Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, The question was taken; and (two- from the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- and Michael Collins with a congressional gold thirds having voted in favor thereof) nology and the manned space rendezvous medal on behalf of the Congress and the peo- the rules were suspended and the bill techniques he devised were used on all NASA ple of the United States. was passed. missions, including the first space docking with Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored A motion to reconsider was laid on Russian cosmonauts. today to speak in tribute of three of our coun- the table.