S1914 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 5, 2003 and no Democrats, OK. I don’t think we Whereas the people of the United States us time and again to defy the odds. need to do that in the form of an agree- and the world have enjoyed rich benefits Those heroes did not take their task ment, but at least the Chair would rec- from the space program including techno- lightly, but they undertook it with joy. ognize we are going to do that. logical advances in medicine, communica- Ilan Roman, the first Israeli astro- tions, energy, agronomy, and astronomy; naut, who was on that fated flight, Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I think Whereas we in the Congress of the United that would be very much something we States recognize that curiosity, wonder and wrote the following words from space: will agree to and appreciate. We have a the desire to improve life on Earth has in- The world looks marvelous from up here, lot to do in morning business over the spired our exploration of space and these so peaceful, so wonderful and so fragile. course of today and tomorrow. To be traits epitomize the intrinsic dreams of the His serene vision came to a cata- able to use that time efficiently, alter- human race; strophic end on Saturday morning, and nating back and forth is certainly fine. Whereas, despite these lofty goals, we real- that moment when the world awoke to ize that our reach for the stars will never be the news that seven astronauts dis- f without risk or peril, and setbacks will al- ways be a part of the human experience; appeared into the skies will be one RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME Whereas we recognize our solemn duty to etched in our collective memories for- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under devote our finest minds and resources toward ever. the previous order, leadership time is minimizing these risks and protecting the In recent years, America has borne reserved. remarkable men and women who are willing too much tragedy and experienced too to risk their lives to serve mankind; and much grief, but our collective loss still f Whereas we will always hold in our hearts sears our souls and the pain is never the seven intrepid souls of Columbia, as well MORNING BUSINESS easier to bear. Today, just 4 short days as those explorers who perished before, in- after they vanished into the crystal The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under cluding those aboard Apollo I and the Space Shuttle Challenger: Now, therefore, be it blue skies of Texas, we pause to re- the previous order, there will now be a member them and thank them from period for morning business not to ex- Resolved, That— (1) the tragedy which befell the Space our hearts: Rick Husband, Kalpana tend beyond the hour of 12:30 p.m., with Shuttle Columbia shall not dissuade or dis- Chawla, Laurel Clark, Ilan Roman, the time to be equally divided between courage this Nation from venturing ever far- William McCool, David Brown, and Mi- the two leaders or their designees. ther into the vastness of space; chael Anderson. Mr. SUNUNU. Mr. President, I sug- (2) today we restate our firm commitment And though the families’ loss cannot gest the absence of a quorum. to exploring the planets and celestial bodies be diminished, their pain and grief is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The of our Solar System, and beyond; (3) we express our eternal sorrow and shared around the world and our pray- clerk will call the roll. ers are with them. The legislative clerk proceeded to heartfelt condolences to the families of the seven astronauts; Their sacrifice will never be forgot- call the roll. (4) we convey our condolences to our ten. Their lives were not lost in vain. Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I friends and allies in the state of Israel over We will send more brave astronauts ask unanimous consent that the order the loss of Colonel Ilan Ramon, the first into the cosmos to learn and discover. for the quorum call be rescinded. Israeli in space; We will continue to explore the vast The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (5) we will never forget the sacrifices made sky that envelops the Earth and their objection, it is so ordered. by the seven heroes aboard Columbia; and (6) we shall learn from this tragedy so that names will forever be etched into the f these sacrifices shall not have been in vain. history of space flight. Rick Husband, a spiritual man, a COMMEMORATING THE There being no objection, the Senate Texan, the commander of the Space ‘‘COLUMBIA’’ ASTRONAUTS proceeded to consider the resolution. Shuttle Columbia, often signed photos The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I referencing Proverbs 3:5–6: ator from Texas. send a resolution to the desk on behalf Trust in the Lord with all your heart and Mrs. HUTCHISON. I thank the Chair. lean not on your own understanding; ac- of myself, Senator NELSON of Florida, Mr. President, today I rise to honor Senator FRIST of Tennessee, Senator knowledge Him in all your ways and He will the memory and the sacrifice of the direct your paths. DASCHLE of South Dakota, Senator seven astronauts whose lives were trag- Throughout history, our young Na- CORNYN of Texas, and Senator GRAHAM ically cut short in pursuit of the new- of Florida, and I ask for its immediate tion has experienced great heartache est frontier—space. and tragedy. Each time, we have over- consideration. America is a word, a country, and a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The come adversity with boldness and te- people. America is also a spirit, an in- nacity. We have come back stronger clerk will report the resolution by domitable spirit of adventure and cour- title. than ever. age, one that defies complacency and With steely resolve and a firm deter- The legislative clerk read as follows: accepts challenge. The American spirit mination, we rose from the ashes and A resolution (S. Res. 45) commemorating knows no bounds. embers of Ground Zero more resolute the Columbia astronauts: Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon also than ever before. Whereas the United States of America and had that spirit, and so did Kalpana the world mourn the seven astronauts who Christina Rossetti, the 18th century perished aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia Chawla, who was born in India and poet, wrote a poem called ‘‘Remem- on February 1, 2003, as they re-entered made America her home. It is that ber.’’ She could never have envisioned Earth’s atmosphere at the conclusion of spirit which President Kennedy har- what this poem would come to rep- their 16-day mission; nessed in 1961 when he made the bold resent, but it did bring me some solace Whereas United States Air Force Colonel claim: Within a decade, America would in this time of tragedy in my home Rick D. Husband, Mission Commander; put a man on the Moon and return him State of Texas. She wrote: United States Navy Commander William safely home. Remember me when I am gone away, ‘‘Willie’’ McCool, Pilot; United States Air That same spirit enabled us to fulfill Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Ander- Gone far away into the silent land; son, Payload Commander/Mission Specialist; a great mission and make space travel When you can no more hold me by the hand, United States Navy Captain David M. Brown, seem routine, although it was never Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay. Mission Specialist; United States Navy Com- routine. Remember me when no more day by day mander Laurel Blair Salton Clark, Mission It is that spirit which fueled the You tell me of our future that you planned; Specialist; Dr. Kalpana Chawla, Mission Spe- hearts and minds of those seven men Only remember me; you understand cialist; and Israeli Air Force Colonel Ilan It will be late to counsel then or pray. and women who launched into the sky Yet if you should forget me for a while Ramon, Payload Specialist were killed in the on January 6, 2003. line of duty during the 113th Space Shuttle And afterwards remember, do not grieve: On Saturday, we were reminded of For if the darkness and corruption leave Mission; the high price we sometimes pay for Whereas we stand in awe of the courage A vestige of the thoughts that I once had, necessary to break the bonds of Earth and reaching new horizons. Our thirst for Better by far you should forget and smile venture into space, with full knowledge of knowledge led us to explore space. Our Than that you should remember and be sad. the perils and complexities inherent in such curiosity, sense of wonderment, and de- We will hold these seven souls in our an endeavor; sire to improve life on Earth prompted hearts and eventually we will smile

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:34 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05FE6.003 S05PT1 February 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1915 again. We will rise from the ashes in to explore their boundaries. This Mr. SUNUNU. I suggest the absence the fields of Texas, Louisiana, and Ar- unending quest for knowledge is the of a quorum. kansas. The quest for space exploration very essence of what makes us human. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The will not end with this tragedy. It will It is a flame that burns so bright. It clerk will call the roll. live on, it will prosper, for it is our burns so bright that not even the depth The legislative clerk proceeded to duty, our calling, and our destiny. of this tragedy or the shock of our loss call the roll. Yesterday, like so many Members of can quench the desire to learn, to seek Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask the Senate and House, along with the and to explore. unanimous consent that the order for President of the United States and our There is no doubt in my mind that we the quorum call be rescinded. First Lady, I attended a beautiful cere- will move forward to expand and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mony where we saw firsthand the fami- strengthen America’s space program. objection, it is so ordered. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, this lies and the realization of their per- And through the investigation that has morning’s morning business has been sonal loss. We were uplifted by seeing just begun, we will find out what dedicated to the Columbia tragedy the greatness of what these astronauts caused this accident and then we will which occurred over the weekend. I had done and what they are doing for fix it. But today, we mourn for those want to take a few moments to speak the future of our country and our whom we have lost and offer comfort to from the heart about my experience world. It is much bigger than just those who have been left behind. yesterday, traveling to Houston to be those seven astronauts, which I think The astronauts who fly the space there for the service that honored their families and they themselves be- shuttle are a unique and unparalleled these seven brave men and women who lieved. They know this was a higher breed of men and women. They inspire gave their lives in the Columbia trag- calling and that their sacrifices will us with courage and intellect, and they sacrifice in service to their country edy. lay the groundwork for a better space It was a bright and sunny day in shuttle, a better space station, Amer- and profession. But perhaps their greatest service of all is rendered when Houston, a day which brought out lit- ica staying preeminent in the world in erally thousands of people as they national security and in medical re- they reach out to future generations and plant the seeds of curiosity in a stood at the Space Center on the grass search. I think they knew they were and waited for hours for the moments contributing to the future of our coun- young student’s mind. I have visited classrooms in the com- of tribute to the fallen astronauts and try. to their families. It was a military The ceremony yesterday really began pany of astronauts to see faces of chil- dren alive with wonder and awe. Like service, as those who followed it on tel- our time of closure, our time to pay any one of us, our children want to evision know, in the tradition pri- the respects to those brave young men know what it is like in space, what it marily of the Navy. There was that and women who were willing to make is like to be a scientist, what it is like touching moment where the bell was this sacrifice for their children and to be an explorer. struck seven times for the loss of seven their future generations, and to say Seventeen years ago when the Chal- lives. that America is going to renew our lenger was lost, among the seven astro- It also was a service which brought commitment. America is going to stay nauts was a teacher from New Hamp- out, I thought, the very best in our Na- in the forefront, because we know if a shire, Christa McAuliffe, who was dedi- tion in terms of coming together in the country is static it will begin to fall cated to nurturing and inspiring stu- grief that has really clouded our lives behind. We know we have been the first dents not just in New Hampshire but since last Saturday morning. to reap so many benefits from space ex- all across the country. Her spirit and There were moments yesterday ploration, which we have shared with enthusiasm has been captured for fu- which I will not forget. The most com- the world. We know there are many ture generations in the Christa pelling moments involved the arrival more innovations to come and that of families. You come to realize that McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord, NH. America will be there to find those dis- Each time I visit the planetarium, I these astronauts leave behind husbands coveries. am reminded that a child’s curiosity and wives, children, parents, and many On behalf of myself and Senator NEL- grows into a lifetime search for an- who loved them who will struggle for a SON of Florida, who is the only Member swers to the great questions of our age. long time to understand what hap- of the Senate today who has been in As long as we have astronauts to en- pened. Most of them, six of the seven, space, he will come later to also make gage this curiosity, the quest for were in the military—of the United a statement and then we will look for- knowledge will endure and our space States and of Israel. They understood the risk that was involved in their ward to having a vote on the resolu- program will thrive. tion. Generations of Americans have been service to our country, as did the sev- I yield the floor. inspired by their courage and vision, enth astronaut. But with the success of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- but today, thoughts and prayers of mil- so many space missions, I am certain ator from New Hampshire. lions are with the families and friends they went into this flight believing the Mr. SUNUNU. Mr. President, today I of Columbia’s crew. The sadness of this odds were on their side—and they cer- join my colleagues and millions around moment may well one day fade, but the tainly were. But they knew the danger, the world to express our enormous sor- memory of these seven heroic figures too, that was associated with it. row at the loss of the crew of the Space I am sure most people can recall will remain forever strong. Shuttle Columbia and to extend sym- I yield the floor and suggest the ab- where they were when they heard of pathy to the crews’ families and sence of a quorum. this tragedy. I was sitting with my friends. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. wife in our kitchen in Springfield, IL, This tragedy, like the loss of the GRAHAM of South Carolina). The clerk listening to NPR when they inter- Space Shuttle Challenger 17 years ago, will call the roll. rupted it and mentioned the shuttle has left an empty space in our hearts. The legislative clerk proceeded to radio transmission had been lost. It We struggle for the words that might call the roll. was clear something terrible may have help to make sense of the events we Mr. SUNUNU. I ask unanimous con- occurred. Then, of course, in the mo- witnessed last Saturday. sent that the order for the quorum call ments following, we heard the details. A return to Earth that we have come be rescinded. I ran into a number of people in Illi- to view as ‘‘routine,’’ instead has re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nois, both downstate in Springfield and minded us of the fragility of life. We objection, it is so ordered. in Chicago, before I came back to are all subject to the flaws of man and Mr. SUNUNU. Mr. President, I ask Washington and then went off to Hous- the vagaries of nature. Yet these seven unanimous consent during the allotted ton, and all of them were touched by brave men and women accepted great morning business period, the time used this tragedy, as they should have been. risk as they strove to expand the intel- in quorum calls be charged evenly Some of them said to me: Senator, lectual capital of all mankind. against each side. don’t forget also the four soldiers who For thousands of years, the heavens The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without lost their lives last week in a heli- have inspired, intrigued, and called us objection, it is so ordered. copter crash in Afghanistan—and they

VerDate Jan 31 2003 01:53 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05FE6.007 S05PT1 S1916 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 5, 2003 were right. Our prayers should be not courage. Now it is up to us not just to There was Michael Anderson, who, as just for the astronauts and their fami- mourn their loss and to comfort their a child, dreamed of piloting his bunk lies but for all the men and women who families but to remember why they bed to the moon. Michael Anderson have given their lives in service to this made their sacrifice and why they were never got to the moon, but he got a lot country. I know they are in our hearts prepared to run this risk. They were closer than most of us. and prayers. prepared to do more than most of us do There was David Brown, a physician, A lot of hard questions will have to in our daily routines. But they under- gymnast, and one-time circus per- be asked and answered in the weeks stood it was to meet a calling—a call- former. For all of his many skills, as ahead. We will have to find out what ing to which, frankly, all of us should his mother said: ‘‘flying was his life.’’ caused this crash, to make certain that aspire, to show the courage and to step There was Laurel Clark, the medical it never happens again. There will be a forward to look to the future, to say doctor and mission specialist who of- lot of recriminations and people point- that we each have to do something fered this advice for aspiring astro- ing fingers as to whether or not every- that is risky and on the edge so that nauts: ‘‘Do what it is you love to do. one did their job as they should have, tomorrow may be better for our chil- You’ll do a really good job at it be- including Congress, this President, and dren, for their families. We extend not cause you love it.’’ the previous President. But that is the only our sympathy but also our pledge There was Ilan Ramon—the child and nature of an open society—an open de- to stand by them at this time of loss grandchild of Holocaust survivors—who bate, an honest debate to try to come because they are part of the American rode into space carrying with him the to some closure as to the reason for family, an American family deep in hope of a war-weary country. this tragedy. mourning over the loss of these great Sadly, most of us are getting to know Larger questions will be asked, and I men and women. most of them only now. hope answered, about the space pro- I yield the floor. I suggest the ab- Back in Rapid City, SD, there are gram itself. This is a program which sence of a quorum. dozens of schoolchildren who got to has been generally accepted by Amer- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The know—and be inspired by—Kalpana ica as part of who we are and why we clerk will call the roll. Chawla. come together as a nation. We want to The assistant legislative clerk pro- Three years ago, I asked then-NASA lead the world in the pursuit of science ceeded to call the roll. Administrator Dan Goldin if he would and knowledge and understanding. Our Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I ask be willing to keynote a technology ex- space program has been part of that. unanimous consent that the order for hibition in Rapid City. We will have to step back now and as- the quorum call be rescinded. At the last minute, NASA called to sess whether we are doing the right The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without say that they would have to send a sub- thing. We will have to ask and answer objection, it is so ordered. stitute. They said: ‘‘But the good news questions about manned space flight The Democratic leader. is she’s even better. She’s an astronaut, Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, in 1920, and the future of the space station, and she’s brilliant.’’ H.G. Wells wrote: whether the shuttle is the best ap- Dr. Chawla enchanted everyone who Life, forever dying to be born afresh, for- listened to her that day. proach to serving that station, and our ever young and eager, will presently stand future needs. All of these are difficult upon this earth as upon a footstool, and She stayed for a long time after her but timely questions. stretch out its realm amidst the stars. talk to sign autographs and pose for Having said all that, that is the We have long since realized that vi- pictures with children. working of government. That is the sion, voyaging from our planet, putting A lot of those children in South Da- working of the people of the United men and women and machines beyond kota are probably looking at those pic- States, responding to this disaster in a the reach of the Earth, traveling the tures today—and looking at how she rational, measured, linear way. ‘‘airless Saharas’’ of space, exploring signed them, for above her name she But yesterday it was about much new worlds. wrote: ‘‘reach for the stars.’’ more. It was about these astronauts What we have been able to do re- I can only hope that the excitement and their families. quires the best minds of science, an au- Dr. Chawla inspired in those children Ilan Ramon was the first Israeli as- dacity of imagination, and people ex- will never be diminished by her loss. tronaut. I read about him. I have heard plorers of uncommon bravery. Inspiring the awe of discovery in oth- suggestions that he was a man who was Today, we mourn seven of those ers, that is what all of the members of destined to be part of the space pro- brave explorers. These men and women the crew of Columbia lived for, and it is gram. No one in his country had ever stood upon our Earth as a footstool, what they gave their lives for. done it. He is a great source of pride in stretched out our realm amidst the Yesterday, many of us were in Hous- Israel and to the people who followed stars, set out on a voyage of dis- ton to honor their memories. his career. covery—and did not return. In the days ahead, I hope we can cre- Yesterday, some of the prayers deliv- I can only hope that our words, our ate a living memorial by continuing to ered by the Rabbi and others were in prayers, and a world’s shared sorrow strive for the stars. Hebrew, as they should have been. will help bring peace to their families In 1961, a satellite called Traac was They hearkened back to the origins of and loved ones. launched from Cape Kennedy. Inscribed the Judeo-Christian culture that also This space shuttle Columbia—like all in an instrument panel of that satellite contributed to this great man. space shuttles—was named for a sailing was a poem written by Professor Also, Kalpana Chawla, Indian—the ship. The Columbia was the first Amer- Thomas Bergin, from Yale University. important thing to recall is not just ican vessel to circumnavigate the It was the first poem to be launched how good she was—and that story was globe. into orbit around the Earth. repeated over and over again—but to The crew of this Columbia were pio- I want to read a few lines of it now: recall that she was an immigrant to neers of the first order as well. And now ’tis man who dares assault the sky this country. There was Rick Husband, the Air And as we come to claim our promised place, I think that is something we should Force Colonel and commander of the Aim only to repay the good you gave, remind ourselves over and over. Immi- Columbia. He was dedicated to God, his And warm with human love the chill of grants to America throughout our his- family, and his crew. While in space, he space. tory have made us a better and strong- sent an e-mail saying: ‘‘I’m so proud of The seven astronauts of Columbia rep- er Nation and have given us a special my crew, I could pop.’’ resented different races, different reli- identity in the world. She contributed There was William McCool, the man gions, different backgrounds, and, in to that heritage, and her courage has at the controls of Columbia. He was an one case, a different country. But they to be recognized. Eagle Scout, second in his class at the were united by their desire to solve the The list of the astronauts involved— Naval Academy. Friends describe him mysteries of the universe and to make those who had been on previous mis- as someone who always did everything life better for all people. sions and those who were on their perfectly but never developed the arro- In living that hope—and dying with first—is a roster of excellence and gance that comes with such success. it—their lives will forever inspire us.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 01:53 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05FE6.009 S05PT1 February 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1917 And their memories will warm the chill happened; how did it happen. There are over the next mountain, beyond the far of space. some who say we should have done this horizon, not because we know what is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and others who say we should not have there, but because we do not and want ator from Connecticut. done that. Others will say we should to find out. Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I abandon space, echoing a refrain we Most great feats of exploration in rise to offer some comments in re- have heard intermittently now for human history have yielded benefits sponse to the Columbia shuttle disaster more than 4 decades. Skepticism about far in excess of what anyone could have that we all learned about last Satur- space exploration, combined with the predicted when they began. Surely we day. Since then, we Americans and economic restraints faced by our Na- will find something on the Moon or most of the rest of the world really tion for many of the years of the past Mars or elsewhere in the cosmos that have been in a state of grief again, a 4 decades, has, in fact, lowered our will astonish us and transform the way state of mind and heart that many of sights and diminished our momentum we live. Surely we will discover things us, of course, have experienced both in space. about ourselves in the process of personally and nationally before. Once We must and we will investigate mounting those great missions that again, in this case of public grief, tele- what happened to Columbia. No holds will change our lives. vision became our common touchstone, should be barred and every step should Spend the money here on Earth, binding us through the ether, inform- be taken to discover exactly what went some will say. Our problems are too ing us with gripping yet familiar wrong and to set about making it right great here to waste money in space or scenes and words. so people will never again look aloft to on the Moon or Mars. And once again, we learned things we see a fiery comet signalling the de- First remember that not one single wished we had known and thought be- struction of a spacecraft with its his- dollar will actually be left in space, on fore the great loss. We learned of the toric crew. the Moon, or on the surface of the red astronaut whose aunt and uncle had Yet we must be realists. No human planet. Every dollar invested in space lost a son on September 11 at the World advance comes without risk. In the his- is invested here on Earth, circulating Trade Center. Once again, they share a tory of human space flight, in fact, we throughout our economy, creating a personal loss with the whole Nation. have lost the crew of Apollo 1, Soyuz 1 multiplier effect as the jobs and discov- We learned of the Israeli astronaut who and 11, the Challenger, and now Colum- eries associated with the space pro- was part of the mission that destroyed bia. This is the most difficult, dan- gram lift in time our GDP, our gross an Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981, an act gerous, and daunting work I can imag- domestic product. that we now know saved the world ine. That in part is why we do it. Our new missions in space should be from the menace of Saddam Hussein President Kennedy said more than 40 as the International Space Station is: with his finger on a nuclear button. years ago: American-led but international in We learned of a woman who emi- We choose to go to the Moon in this decade scope. People and resources of many grated from India to the United States, and do the other things, not because they are nations can and should be pooled to en- became an American citizen, and then easy but because they are hard. sure that the great space missions of an astronaut. Surely that is one of the There is no acceptable number of the 21st century are global projects most vibrant and exciting realizations spacecraft lost in pursuit of what is that make sense, because success is of what we call the American dream I hard and what is unknown. Obviously more likely, of course, if we tap the have ever heard. just one loss is too many. But we must best minds of the broad community of I am sorry I did not know all this be- recognize that the sacrifice of those nations, not just our own. The invest- fore the terrible news of last Saturday. who have died has not been in vain. ment needed can best be realized That is both a testament to the success The space program has yielded enor- through contributions from many peo- of the space program and a mark of mous results. It has also given our Na- ples, not just the American people. how easy it is for all of us to forget the tion and people throughout the world a Such a common venture also has risks others have taken and are taking sense of wonder that cannot be easily other salutary effects. As President to advance the frontiers of our knowl- recounted in mere dollars and cents. Clinton has said, We need a world with edge. The fact is, we take too much for Our gross spiritual product, if you more friends and fewer terrorists. And granted, and it is sad it does take trag- will, GSP, is higher than it would oth- what better way to expand our circle of edy to shock us into an awareness of erwise have been thanks to the efforts friends than to invite them to join us the sacrifices that are constantly being of the astronauts, the scientists, and on an inspiring voyage together into made by others on our behalf. all who make the exploration of space the unknown wonders of space. What That was certainly true about the a noble part of our civilization. better way to showcase our own unique role of our firefighters and police and We must emerge from this investiga- values and technological advances than emergency medical and health per- tion of the Columbia tragedy and from to lead a team of many nations whose sonnel after September 11. It is true our introspection about it resolved to citizens will share with us a stake in when our military men and women go do more, not less, to think bigger, not the outcome and a share of the pride. into combat to protect our security. smaller, to aim higher, not lower. Just Finally, embarking on a bold new age The loss of the Black Hawk crew in Af- as we must build something great and of discovery will help revive the Amer- ghanistan this past week is again a re- beautiful where the World Trade Cen- ican spirit. In the midst of terrorist minder of how much danger other ter towers once stood, a fitting tribute threats from abroad, a shaken sense of Americans face on our behalf. to the men and women of the Columbia security here at home, a troubled econ- It is true also with regard to the Co- is not really to fix what went wrong omy, and shocks to our system such as lumbia, when the loss of that shuttle but to do what is right, to do what is those we faced on September 11 and has caused us once again to stop and characteristically American, to con- after from the anthrax and now from think about the men and women who tinue—indeed, to expand—their mis- the loss of the Columbia, the American climb on top of rockets and head into sion and to lift our sights to the heav- people may be feeling uncertain about the coldness of outer space to advance ens once again and pursue new mis- our future. These have been tough the leading edge of human experience sions—as Charles Krauthammer has times. But I am confident we are at from which all of us benefit. We owe written—‘‘to the moon and beyond.’’ heart an optimistic people and that for those seven brave souls our gratitude. We should do so not because we know us the best truly is yet to come. We owe the same to those who fly what knowledge and benefits that pur- We have to find ways to strengthen today aboard the International Space suit of those goals will achieve; we our can-do spirit, to unleash our opti- Station and to those who are preparing should do so because we do not know. mism and give us a stronger sense of to fly back and forth in the months and Yet we can be confident, based on our national purpose and greater hope in a years to come. experience, that the effort will prove better future. No single enterprise can Amidst the painful familiarity of the more than worth our while. accomplish that goal. I do not mean to moment we are experiencing come the That is the wonder of exploration, to suggest that a visionary space program calls for a thorough accounting of what go beyond the next bend in the river, alone will turn the national tide. There

VerDate Jan 31 2003 01:53 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05FE6.011 S05PT1 S1918 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 5, 2003 are other missions to consider as well from the journey of discovery that in- If I make my bed in the depths, you are that are closer to Earth—great mis- spired these heroes and must still in- there. sions—which together we can accom- spire our Nation and the world to ever If I rise on the wings of the dawn, plish to cure cancer, make our Nation greater heights. If I settle on the far side of the sea, Even there your hand will guide me, energy independent, and defeat the Let’s light out for the territory Your right hand will hold me fast. scourge of AIDS. ahead of the rest, and today that terri- But remember that the American tory is beyond the sky. For that is the We pray for that comfort, we pray for dream is not a zero-sum game. We can stuff of the American dream and the that embrace for the families who are do more than we realize. We can ex- heart of the human soul. It must be our enduring this loss and that encourage- pand opportunity and vision and hope choice today, for surely it is our des- ment for all as we move on from here. if we set our minds, our hearts, and our tiny. Mr. President, I suggest the absence national will to the task. I thank the Chair. I yield the floor of a quorum. We have all been reminded in recent and suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The days of all that President Kennedy set The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. in motion with his brief words to the clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk pro- Congress in 1961 when he committed The assistant legislative clerk pro- ceeded to call the roll. America to land a man on the Moon be- ceeded to call the roll. Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- fore that decade was out. We should re- Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, I ask dent, I ask unanimous consent that the mind ourselves, too, of how far we have unanimous consent that the order for order for the quorum call be rescinded. come in the hundred years since the the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator We cannot know how far and how fast objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Florida. mankind, humankind, will travel from Minnesota. Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- across the country or the universe by Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, it was dent, it is with an especially heavy this century’s end. That is the wonder my sad privilege to attend the memo- heart that I join Senator HUTCHISON of of it. But if we fail to heed the call to rial service for our great astronauts in Texas as a sponsor of S. Res. 45 com- explore, we will only succeed in stifling Houston yesterday. As best I could, I memorating the fallen astronauts on an astounding revolution that is bound carried the love and prayers of Min- the Columbia mission and to express to occur sooner or later. nesotans to that solemn occasion. It the Senate’s support for continuing Centuries ago, William Shakespeare was heartbreaking; yet it was awe in- their legacy. wrote: spiring at the same time. There was a I, along with a number of other Sen- Our doubts are traitors and make us lose lot of love in Houston yesterday that ators and Members of the House and the good we oft might win by fearing to at- surrounded the families of the brave various parts of the NASA family, tempt. astronauts. gathered yesterday in Houston. It is We must not let our doubts make us I should note how blessed we are to getting to be a gathering that is not lose the good we can win by venturing have the President we have at times pleasant, for we had a similar gath- further into this special frontier in such as this. His words are good and ering 17 years ago—17 years ago, al- space of which we are aware. true, but it is his heart that commu- most to the day—when we lost another In words that are more American nicates to the hearts of Minnesotans. space shuttle from a series of mistakes. than Shakespeare’s, Mark Twain cap- How much we all owe to the explor- Oh, there were the technical reasons tured that same sensibility in one of ers, the inventors and the pioneers. In about why the Space Shuttle Chal- the great American novels—maybe the Minnesota, we marvel at the thought lenger exploded, the technical reasons greatest—‘‘The Adventures of that a Charles Lindberg from Little that the cold weather had stiffened the Huckleberry Finn,’’ where Huck, with Falls, a small town on the Mississippi, rubberized gaskets, called the O-rings, Jim, on the raft delighted always in ap- was the one who opened a new door by in the field joints of the solid rocket proaching the next bend in the river, traveling solo across the Atlantic. For boosters, and that stiffened O-ring al- not knowing what they would find almost every one of us, our presence in lowed the hot gases of the SRBs to pass around the bend, but never fearful, al- this country is a reality because some through those creases—those field ways excited, and always confident of brave souls conquered their fears and joints—of the SRBs. It just happened their ability to deal with whatever headed off to an unknown place with to burn out right where the strut was they found. In those last sentences of the only hope that it meant a better that held that SRB to the external that great novel, Huck says: life for their families. tank. When that strut burned at the I reckon I got to light out for the Territory The pain of this tragedy is made bottom, it caused that SRB to rotate ahead of the rest. more acute because of the purity of the and puncture the big external tank. So he did, and so have we Americans sacrifice of these seven extraordinary Seventy minutes into the flight, miles before and since. We will not—those of and ordinary folks. They did not climb high in the Florida sky, it was a shock us who are blessed to be citizens of this into that rocket to get rich or to gain to the Nation that the symbol of Amer- great country now—reap all that we power or to become celebrities. They ica’s technological prowess would dis- sow, not in our lifetimes. Yet we will assumed the risk to their lives for integrate right in front of our eyes find nourishment for our national spir- science, for discovery, for the pushing through a television camera. it in the effort itself and from the out of the horizons of mankind. NASA realized its mistakes, and its knowledge that we are working to As we mourn, may we in this Cham- mistakes were not only technical. Ar- make a better tomorrow for those who ber and throughout this society seek rogance had set in at NASA. will follow us as citizens of this coun- that purity of motive and courage to A basic fundamental of information try and the world, whose faces we will take risks on behalf of others and in is that it should flow both ways, not not live to see, whose names we cannot pursuit of a better future. May we ex- only from the top to the bottom but know, but whose lives we can touch for press our appreciation far more freely from the bottom to the top. Because of the better by what we do today. for all those who take enormous risks arrogance it had not. As the count pro- We do know the names of Rick Hus- on our behalf. May we embrace a spirit ceeded the night before, there were two band, Will McCool, Michael Anderson, of service and sacrifice for others rath- engineers at Morton Thiokol in Utah Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel er than idealize safety and security for who were begging their management to Clark, and Ilan Ramon. May God have ourselves. stop the count because they knew the mercy on them, their families, and Thousands of years ago, an ancient frigid weather was going to stiffen friends, and may their souls be em- Hebrew writer put down these words, those O-rings. braced in eternal life. May they, like expressed as a prayer: When we did the investigation, both modern-day angels, experience forever Where can I go from your spirit? in the Presidential Commission and in the peace, joy, and beauty of space Where can I flee from your presence? the committee I chaired at the time in flight. And may we never turn back If I go up to the heavens, you are there; the House of Representatives, the

VerDate Jan 31 2003 00:52 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05FE6.015 S05PT1 February 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1919 Space Subcommittee of the full com- now rough, causing new turbulence as derside of the space shuttle if they are mittee, the Science, Space and Tech- the orbiter comes crashing through the damaged on ascent and we can see sig- nology Committee, what we found was Earth’s denser atmosphere, as it gets nificant damage. We will have to look that although those engineers were lower and lower, turbulence will be cre- at that. We did look at it in the early begging their management to send this ated and there will be an additional op- 1980s and we said we could not do it. information along, the information portunity for silicon tiles to rip off. If We were in Houston yesterday. NASA never got passed on to the NASA man- they rip off, there is going to be a ca- is a family. When a family member is agement. tastrophe. taken, that family grieves. It was well There were mistakes of communica- We still do not know what the initial known the commander of this mission, tion, there were mistakes of attitude, cause was for the destruction of Colum- Rick Husband, had a deep and abiding and there were mistakes as a result of bia. We do know that one of the sus- faith. That had been spoken about arrogance that caused the destruction pects is a piece of insulation came off quite a bit throughout the service, in of the Space Shuttle Challenger. The of the huge external tank on launch. sidebar conversations, in the remarks NASA family went to work and really That insulation is like a foam, like a of the President, and today in a major started improving on that. consistency of Styrofoam in a feature article in the Washington Post. The fact is, space flight is a risky Styrofoam cooler and it could have That does not help relieve or eliminate business. When I flew 17 years ago, our been more hardened by ice having the grief. It does help console those flight returned to Earth only 10 days formed on the outside of that super- who are grieving. before Challenger launched. When I cooled external tank which has the liq- I saw a lot of macho, grizzled astro- flew, there were 1,500 parts on the uid hydrogen and the liquid oxygen nauts yesterday giving a lot of hugs. space shuttle called ‘‘critical one’’ that fuels the main engines. It could Those seven astronauts who died over parts—any one of which, if it were to have been harder because of ice having Texas made the ultimate sacrifice in fail, would mean the end of the mis- formed on that Styrofoam-type mix- exchange for the benefits that their sion. It was catastrophe. ture, and that could have caused the courageous exploration of the heavens So when one goes through a very un- initial damage or roughing up of some will realize for all of mankind. It is forgiving environment and returns in tiles, but we do not know at this point. with the greatest respect and gratitude an unforgiving environment, there is Some event started to occur as the to the families of those fallen that we risk. Probably the riskiest part is all of shuttle was over California for debris say what we can—and we really cannot those parts have to work on the ascent. was first seen high in the skies coming say anything that in the big picture is The ascent is only 81⁄2 minutes to orbit, off the shuttle over California and then meaningful—to ensure their cause will but in order to defy the bounds of grav- over New Mexico before the shuttle continue. ity and go Mach 25, 17,500 miles an started to come apart over Texas. To a man and a woman in this Sen- hour, which is orbital velocity, and to We will find the cause and we will fix ate, there is a determination that have that energy that puts the space- it, and we will get back to flight. Lord cause will continue. It will continue craft in a position to punch out of the help us that we are not down for 21⁄2 certainly as a memorial to those before Earth’s atmosphere and insert into years as we were after Challenger and it them, all of those names that are on orbit, it is risky. So, too, upon reen- took us 21⁄2 years to feel safe enough to that significant astronaut memorial at tering the Earth’s atmosphere, that is fly the first flight. I say, ‘‘Lord help the Kennedy Space Center, astronauts risky. us’’ because we have two astronauts who have died in the line of duty—not About an hour before landing, the or- and a cosmonaut in the space station just the ones you know about—the biter is turned around and a thrust for right now. They are safe. They have a Apollo fire on the pad, the Challenger 7, 4 minutes of the two OMS engines, not lifeboat up there of a Russian Soyuz and now the Columbia 7. the main engines but the OMS engines, craft that can bring them home, but we Not only will it continue as a memo- is given to slow the orbiter a little do not want to have to bring them rial, but this program will continue be- from Mach 25. That slowly allows grav- home. We want to send a replacement cause it is a reflection of the character ity to start pulling the spacecraft back crew so we can keep science and experi- of the American people. We are by na- to Earth. For about the next half hour, ments going in that magnificent struc- ture explorers and adventurers. That is the spacecraft is basically in freefall ture of a laboratory in the heavens a part of our character. It began when still going about 17,000 miles an hour, called the International Space Station. Europeans left the continent and traveling about a third of the way We are going to find the problem, we crossed the oceans. It is deep within around the Earth, and at 400,000 feet are going to fix it, and hopefully we are our soul to be explorers and adven- the spacecraft starts encountering the going to be able to fix it soon. If it is turers. When we settled this land Earth’s atmosphere. a massive failure of a thermal protec- known as New America, we had a fron- At that point, the computers have to tion system, which is the tiles, then it tier, and it was westward. We still have be working perfectly. The orbiter has is going to take us awhile. a frontier, and it is upward. been turned around and the angle of at- In the early 1980s, we even looked at I believe in my lifetime we will see tack has to be exactly perfect in order the possibility of going out on an an international crew from planet that those silicon tiles on the bottom EVA—that is a space walk—to fix dam- Earth go to the planet Mars. We may of the orbiter are repelling the heat aged tiles. It was concluded in the 1980s well go back to the Moon and establish which on the underside of the wings that it was too much of a risk. First, a lunar base. We might be mining has risen to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit we did not have the kind of glue that, things on the surface of the Moon, like and on the leading edge of the wing has in the vacuum of space, could fix those helium 3. A cargo bay type load of he- raised to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. tiles, and then the risks of an astro- lium 3 could generate the electrical If those computers are not working naut going over the side where there power for the entire United States for perfectly to keep that angle of attack was no communication in sight were 1 year. Those are the technologies that so that the heat is repelled, the orbiter considered so high. Remember, all of hold promise. We already see so many will burn up. If the nose gets too low, our space walks are outside of the open of the technologies developed in the it will burn up. If the tail gets too low, cargo bay where we have instant com- space program, particularly when we it will burn up. Or if there is a ripping munication and sight with our space went to the Moon. We had to have ma- off of the aluminum skin, these protec- walkers. The basic problem was the terials that were light in weight, small tive tiles that have been put there with EVA suit weighs 300 pounds and the in volume, and highly reliable. In de- a very high technology type of glue— boots are another 15 or 20 pounds. What veloping those for space exploration to one or two tiles, the structure is going happens if that space walker gets out go to the Moon, the spinoffs have been to be invaded but it is not going to of control? He will damage the tiles al- incredible. This watch is a part of the cause a catastrophe for the mission, ready there on the underside. spinoff. So is an artificial heart. So is but if many tiles are ripped off or if We are going to see if technology has a kidney dialysis machine. So is much tiles have been damaged so that they advanced enough so we can repair of our modern-day materials and al- are not smooth on the surface and are those delicate silicon tiles on the un- loys.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 00:52 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05FE6.018 S05PT1 S1920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 5, 2003 We will continue exploration, not inseparable from great risk. These Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise only in the memory of our fallen com- seven proved that in a terrible and to pay tribute to the astronauts who rades but for what it reflects as a char- tragic way. perished aboard the Space Shuttle Co- acter of the American people and the I would also like to take a moment lumbia last Saturday, and to their fam- American spirit as well as the many to honor the men and women in my ilies. It was a terrible tragedy we all benefits we derive from space explo- State of Texas—the police, fire, and suffered with the death of seven astro- ration, not the least of which is to find emergency services, as well as thou- nauts this last Saturday. We have out about that magnificent creation sands of local volunteers who have heard many moving and eloquent trib- out there called the universe. worked so hard on the ground in the utes to those brave souls since the Co- That is why I rise to join with Sen- aftermath of this terrible disaster to lumbia was lost. We have learned a ator HUTCHISON in sponsoring this reso- prevent further tragedy. In addition, great deal about the strength and cour- lution commemorating our fallen they are in the process of collecting age and resourcefulness and humanity brethren and sisters. important evidence that will ulti- of each of those astronauts—Rick Hus- I yield the floor and suggest the ab- mately, we trust, lead to determina- band, William McCool, David Brown, sence of a quorum. tion of what caused this terrible trag- Kalpana Chawla, Michael Anderson, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. edy so it will never ever happen again. Laurel Clark, and Ilan Ramon. We have KYL). The clerk will call the roll. Literally within minutes of the trag- heard from the people who knew them The legislative clerk proceeded to edy, ordinary Texans did extraordinary best. Clearly, I and most of us here did call the roll. things. By working together, they not know them personally. Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask helped to ensure the safety of their However, I want to take just a mo- unanimous consent the order for the neighbors, and they helped speed the ment more to speak about one of those quorum call be rescinded. investigation so that heroic astronauts astronauts in particular—Laurel The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on future space missions will return Salton Clark. She spent part of her objection, it is so ordered. home safely. These volunteers are still youth in Albuquerque in my home Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask on site working together with law en- State and she maintained roots there. unanimous consent that the vote on forcement personnel. I want to express Her father lives with his wife in Albu- adoption of the pending resolution on my gratitude, as I know the Nation querque. And Laurel’s brother, John the Columbia occur at 2:20 today, with 5 does, for their efforts. Salton, is an engineer at Sandia Na- minutes prior to the vote equally di- The fact that America and the world tional Laboratories. Laurel attended vided between Senators HUTCHISON and delight in every takeoff and hold their Hodgin Elementary School and Monroe NELSON for closing remarks. collective breath at every landing is a Middle School, and frequently returned The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without testament to the power and hope em- to Albuquerque for visits with family. objection, it is so ordered. bodied in our Nation’s space program. She was a stellar student throughout Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I rise The heroes who create, maintain, and her life. Her only B, according to her today to pay tribute to the seven men fly these amazing machines are a testa- father, was one she received in high and women of the Space Shuttle Colum- ment to the fact that dreams are the school in the typing class. She was a bia who dedicated their lives to the fu- beginning and not the end of the pos- medical doctor. She was a flight sur- ture of this Nation and our Nation’s sible. geon in the Navy. And she made the as- space program. In particular, seven I would also like to remind my col- tronaut corps when she was 5 months men and women who knew the risk of leagues that more than one nation pregnant. strapping themselves on top of a rock- mourns this tragedy. The nations of She stood for what is best about our et, leaving the Earth behind and ex- Israel and India and the rest of the country. She was brave; she was ploring the heavens. Seven men and world share in our grief as they share strong; she was full of life. We are all in our hope for the future. women who knew what they were doing diminished by her loss. We are also, of Our space program inspired a young but, nevertheless, volunteered for an course, all diminished by the loss of girl in the small town of Karnal, India extremely dangerous but critically im- each of the other brave astronauts who to look to the heavens and see her fu- perished in that terrible tragedy on portant mission: Shuttle Commander ture. Kalpana Chawla came to the Rick Husband, Pilot William McCool, Saturday. United States, studied hard, worked I yield the floor and suggest the ab- Payload Commander Michael Ander- hard, and became part of the greatest son, Mission Specialist Kalpana sence of a quorum. exploration force in the history of the The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Chawla, Mission Specialist David world. Her efforts have inspired thou- HAGEL). The clerk will call the roll. Brown, Mission Specialist Laurel Blair sands of schoolchildren, and her exam- The assistant legislative clerk pro- Salton Clark, and Payload Specialist ple will inspire countless more in the ceeded to call the roll. Ilan Ramon. future. She, in particular, has inspired Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I ask unani- These brave seven showed the Na- schoolchildren in her hometown to mous consent that the order for the tion, indeed they showed the entire watch in awe as she achieved what quorum be rescinded. world that our thirst for knowledge they only dreamed. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and exploration is not yet quenched In Israel, Ilan Ramon was the hope of objection, it is so ordered. and, God willing, will never be. These a nation and the inspiration for the Mr. KYL. Mr. President, at the brave seven are shining examples of the next generation of scientists, fliers, height of the Renaissance, Leonardo da courage, enthusiasm, and awe that and adventurers in the nation of Israel. Vinci said: ‘‘When once you have tasted runs through the veins of all of the And he no doubt inspired many young flight, you will forever walk the earth men and women associated with our people in that country to reach beyond with your eyes turned skyward, for space program, as well as the eager what now seems impossible—to dream there you have been, and there you will children across this Nation who look to beyond the unrest in that troubled area always long to return.’’ the stars and see the beginning, not the of our world and to dream about From that day to this, men and end, of their dreams. achieving the impossible. He is a hero, women have toiled and sacrificed, even These brave seven and their col- there and here, and an inspiration to given their lives to the achievement of leagues throughout the space program all who dream of the stars. manned flight. Poems have been inspire not only our Nation and our As we mourn these fallen heroes, let penned, speeches have been delivered, children, they inspire the entire world. us also take the opportunity to look and history has been written honoring Their actions, bravery, and achieve- forward to the future when shuttle those men and women who have lived ment are a challenge to all humankind, flights are as common as air travel and and some, unfortunately, who have a challenge to dream more, to achieve the marvels of the space program are died, to achieve our dreams—the more, and to reach farther than ever missions the mind has yet to imagine. dreams of all mankind. thought possible. I yield the floor. To honor the memory of these gal- As we know and as the President ob- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- lant seven, we must devote the re- served yesterday, high achievement is ator from New Mexico is recognized. sources, and the far-reaching inquiry,

VerDate Jan 31 2003 03:32 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05FE6.020 S05PT1 February 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1921 needed to find out what happened on We will now set about trying to find in fact, velcro, or the miniaturization February 1, 2003, and achieve the rem- out what went wrong, as we should, be- of the electronic equipment that is a edy so that this tragic accident will cause one wonderful thing about our direct result of space travel that we never be repeated. space program from the very begin- use in all of our lives today to allow us As a nation we mourn the loss of the ning, is we always erred on the side of to live more efficiently and be more crew of Columbia, but as members of human safety. We were always ex- productive. the family of man, we should celebrate tremely cautious and we built phe- That is part of the total investment their courage, their dedication, and nomenal systems of redundancy to as- that is the space program—the ability their desire to better us all. sure that the primary role was to guar- of this great country to push the outer To the families of these heroes, here antee—or at least provide—the opti- limits and allow the genius of our peo- and abroad, we pledge to preserve and mum safety that we were techno- ple the resources to do just that. So we nurture the enterprise of space explo- logically capable of doing; and some- stand in awe of those who travel in ration. Our quest will continue. They thing clearly has gone wrong. It is now outer space. But Saturday and yester- will guide us on our way. our job and the job of NASA to be able day were reminders that they are I would like to close with an observa- to find out and to rectify it for future human, and that it is a very dangerous tion that speaks to the spirit of explor- space travel. and risky business we pursue in the ing the unknown. It is from another I just said future space travel. I am business of adventure, the business of member of the NASA family, astronaut an enthusiast of the space program and pushing the unknown, and the great re- Michael Collins. He said: ‘‘It is human always have been. In the 20-plus years ward for accomplishing and succeeding nature to stretch, to go, to see, to un- I have served in Congress, I have al- in doing so. derstand. Exploration is not a choice, ways supported NASA and all of its ef- I yield the floor. really: it is an imperative.’’ forts. It is within this country’s capa- Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I join my I suggest the absence of a quorum. bility, and it is within the full char- Senate colleagues and our Nation in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The acter of our country that we do as we honoring the seven astronauts who lost clerk will call the roll. have done in the space program, and their lives as Space Shuttle Columbia The assistant legislative clerk pro- that is push and explore the unknown. returned home last Saturday. These ceeded to call the roll. We were founded, we became a country, brave individuals flew into space in the Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I ask we discovered our landmass. Some peo- name of all humanity, and together we unanimous consent that the order for ple thought they might fall over the mourn their loss. the quorum call be rescinded. edge of the earth because some who Those who perished with Columbia The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without were on that maiden voyage with Co- represented not only the best of our objection, it is so ordered. lumbus thought the earth was flat and Nation, but the best of humankind. On Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I and all surely they would sail off into the un- board was a crew of seven: COL Rick of my colleagues, and I think, all known and go over the edge, never to Husband; LTC Michael Anderson; CDR Americans, have been in a period of be heard from again. It was that kind Laurel Clark; CAPT David Brown; CDR mourning as a result of the situation of daring that made us what we are. William McCool; Dr. Kalpana Chawla; that occurred about 9:15 or 9:16 this Just a few weeks ago, my wife and I and Ilan Ramon, a colonel in the past Saturday, as many of us watched had the privilege of traveling to Monti- Israeli Air Force. They left behind 12 in horror, the Space Shuttle Columbia cello for the commencement program children, their spouses, along with nu- disintegrate over the continental of the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark. merous family members and friends. United States. Of course, I am from Idaho. In those The people of the State of Michigan All of us in the Senate have had the days, they didn’t know there was an and our Nation share the grief and the privilege over the years of meeting Idaho; they just knew there was a wil- pride of those who lost a loved one many of our astronauts, and certainly derness out there that nobody had pen- aboard the shuttle. When Columbia blasted off from the even serving with some of them right etrated before. It was the wisdom of Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canav- here in the Senate. We have known of Thomas Jefferson on that day in 1803 to eral a few weeks ago, the astronauts the phenomenal dedication and com- have written a letter to Congress ask- aboard left earth in relative anonym- mitment of these men and women who ing for $2,500 to put a team together to ity. In many ways this is a result of do this very important work. It is a life explore the unknown. Did they ever NASA’s success: there have now been of pursuing a challenge, and the reward think they would return? They didn’t 144 manned space missions. Con- was the service itself. It was not finan- know it. There was no guarantee. The sequently, many have come to view cial, it was not a large trophy. It was risks were high. Of course, all the rest spaceflight as routine. the challenge of the service and what is history. However, the journey of exploration they could provide for our country and What we witnessed last Saturday which they shared posed great risk. for all mankind. I think yesterday, as morning was a phenomenal reminder of But the astronauts aboard Columbia, many witnessed the memorial service the great spirit of adventure and the like those aboard Challenger and in at the Johnson Space Center in Hous- challenge that Americans have met for Apollo I before them, understood those ton—I was unable to attend—we were literally centuries. We are also re- risks associated with their mission. reminded once again of the phe- minded it is not just going down to the Last Saturday, our Nation and the nomenal caliber and capability of these airport and getting on a shuttle. We world once again received the ultimate seven people. have become relatively complacent and painful reminders that these are Barbara Morgan from my State has that shuttles flew and there was an in- still our first steps into space. Never- pursued being an astronaut for many herent amount of safety in them sim- theless, space exploration will con- years. She was, up until now—and may ply because they were flying so often— tinue, for exploring our world and the still be—scheduled to fly into space only to find out that simply was not heavens above has been a dream of hu- within the year. She was part of the the case. I hope—and I am confident of manity since long before the namesake original teacher’s program—one of it—we will find remedies to the obvious of the Columbia set out across the At- those on standby and ready to go up problem that took the lives of seven lantic Ocean seeking a new route to when the Challenger went up and was wonderful human beings last Saturday India. lost. I have seen the excitement of and, in finding that, we will make an- I am confident that in the coming being an astronaut and of achieving as other major step forward in allowing months we will leave no stone an astronaut—for herself, yes, but for humans to travel into outer space and unturned in the quest to find the the American people—through the eyes explore, or to allow their genius to causes of this catastrophe. I am sure and enthusiasm of Ms. Morgan. travel into outer space and explore. the necessary changes will be made to So I am reminded through her, and For the adventure of it? Sure, but also safely transport the heroes of today what I know of her, of the caliber and for the applications of adventure and and those of tomorrow. talent of these people who are selected the tools of exploration that we then A generation ago, the challenge of to become our astronauts. apply in our own lives—whether it is, manned spaceflight inspired thousands

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:34 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05FE6.002 S05PT1 S1922 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 5, 2003 of students to pursue careers in math, lead us in the future. In 1957, a group of It is who we are. It is what we do. It is science and engineering. We are still six boys in my home State of West Vir- why we are Americans.∑ benefitting from the innovations that ginia observed Sputnik flying high Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, to- this generation is responsible for. By overhead and realized that rocketry gether, as a nation, we mourn the loss rededicating ourselves to spaceflight was their calling in life. In the 45 years of the seven extraordinary men and and the wonders of science, we can since, the group, now known as the women of the Columbia shuttle who produce another generation that will Rocket Boys, has mad space explo- gave their lives so unselfishly and cou- tackle new challenges and inspire us ration a reality for countless children rageously for our country. They knew with their discoveries. and adults in West Virginia. Early the dangers they faced, but they be- I believe the comment of my friend space flight inspired them, and it in- lieved in their mission, and they rep- and our former colleague John Glenn spired space education in West Vir- resent the very best of America. summarizes it best. Following the trag- ginia. We know the great loss their families edy of the Space Shuttle Challenger, he As a result of this inspiration, West and the whole Nation have suffered, remarked, ‘‘they indeed carried our Virginia is now the proud home of the and they are very much in our hopes and our dreams with them. Let NASA Independent Identification and thoughts and prayers. They were dar- us carry their memory with us.’’ The Validation Center in Fairmont where ing and brave explorers. Their extraor- men and women of the Space Shuttle 150 NASA employees and contractors dinary spirit and courage enabled them Columbia carried with them the dreams play a critical role in space shuttle to reach for the stars and explore the of all of us and for that we thank them mission control software. Our State is universe and discover its truths. In and hold them in our hearts. also the proud home of the Challenger serving America so well, they also Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, Learning Center at Wheeling Jesuit served all humanity. this past Saturday, the world once University which provides school- The best way for all of us to honor again became painfully aware of the children and teachers the chance to ex- the memory and sacrifice of these risks inherent in manned space travel. perience space simulation and many brave young men and women is to The Columbia tragedy has deeply opportunities for math, science, and carry on the work they were part of. wounded not only members of the technology education. The tragedy reminds us again that NASA community, but also every It is easy to support the space pro- those who venture into space place American and indeed every person gram during times of great success and their own lives at risk as they try to around the world who has ever looked spectacular achievement. But it is per- benefit us all. We can vindicate their up into the night sky and gazed in won- haps during times of tragedy and con- faith by keeping faith with them. derment. fusion that the program needs our sup- Those whom we have just lost would be Of course, space exploration has al- port the most. Just yesterday, Presi- the first to say to us, ‘‘persevere, go ways been a dangerous venture, and dent Bush expressed his support for the forward,’’ because they were pioneers the seven astronauts who gave their continuation of the space shuttle pro- in the truest sense and in the greatest lives on Saturday knew this full well gram, declaring that the ‘‘American of American tradition. They were will- and accepted their mission witout res- journey into space will go on.’’ ing to take risks, even to risk their ervation. Their long dedication to pub- NASA’s remaining astronaut corps, lives in order to benefit us all. lic service and their willingness to sac- as well as their flight directors and en- I know how deeply President Ken- rifice, even at the risk of their own gineers, embody the very same bravery nedy believed in the space program. He lives, in pursuit of knowledge and the and dedication as their fallen col- called it, ‘‘the vast ocean of space,’’ betterment of mankind should be cele- leagues. It is now up to all of us to and he set our Nation firmly on a brated. We honor these American he- echo support for our space program so course to explore it, understand it, and roes. that this bravery is not wasted, so that use it in ways that help and protect us At the same time, all of our thoughts the immense benefits of the space pro- all. When America first embarked more and prayers are with the families of the gram, as well as future astronauts, can than 40 years ago on the great voyage crew during this terrible and difficult be safely brought back to Earth. time. May they know that every Amer- ∑ Mr. GRAHAM of South Carolina. Mr. into space, President Kennedy said, ‘‘It ican is forever indebted to their loved President, all Americans were saddened will not be one man going to the Moon: ones for their bravery and devotion to by the terrible tragedy last weekend it will be an entire Nation.’’ the American space program. involving the Space Shuttle Columbia. He knew that when we reach for the As we sort out the causes of this The world has lost seven incredibly tal- stars, sometimes we fall short. But as tragedy over the next several months ented people who were striving to he knew so well, the mission must go and years, however, we must not fear make this a better planet for us all. on. He would have been very proud of the exploration of outer space. We Our hearts go out to the families of the these seven astronauts, as all of us are must strive to return to space as soon astronauts. I hope God will provide today. Let us honor these seven inspir- as possible, maybe with different them comfort and healing during this ing heroes by continuing the great en- means, maybe unmanned, until we can difficult time. during mission they were part of, for be most assured of improved safety, for For decades, Americans have been the benefit of our country, our planet, the benefits of the space program are proud of our space program and the and all peoples everywhere. innumerable and irrefutable. brave men and women who have led our As my brother said on November 21, Because of research performed in explorations in space travel. They have 1963, the day before he left us, ‘‘This outer space, people all over the world been pioneers seeking a better under- Nation has tossed its cap over the wall now benefit from, among other things, standing of our own planet and what of space, and we shall have no choice improved water and air purification lies in the deep, dark expanse of space. but to follow it.’’ In the quintessential systems, kidney dialysis machines, In the coming days and weeks our spirit of America, the crew of the Co- more efficient solar collectors, artifi- Nation will mourn for the astronauts lumbia have tossed their caps over that cial hearts and limbs, improved emer- of the Space Shuttle Columbia as well wall, too, and we shall never forget gency rescue equipment, and fire re- as the friends and families they left be- them. tardant materials, In fact, more than hind. We will also mourn for the thou- I extend my deepest and heartfelt 100 documented NASA technologies sands of dedicated workers at NASA sympathy to the families who have so from the space shuttle are now incor- who are suffering from this painful suddenly lost their loved ones. I ask porated into the tools we use, the foods loss. We will take our time to carefully unanimous consent to have printed in we eat, and the biotechnology and study and examine what went wrong the RECORD an excerpt from President medicines used to improved our health. and then we’ll make the necessary cor- Kennedy’s address to Congress on space In addition to these immense prac- rections and adjustments. in 1961, and the poem ‘‘High Flight’’ by tical benefits, we must not forget the At the appropriate time, we will once John Gillespie Magee, Jr., which Presi- power of space flight to inspire and mo- again move forward into new frontiers dent Reagan read after the loss of the tivate that those who will eventually and new missions for space exploration. Challenger in 1986.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:34 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05FE6.027 S05PT1 February 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1923 There being no objection, the mate- hero’s homecoming abruptly turned members recall Clark as a high-achiev- rial was ordered to be printed in the into a national tragedy. As the space er committed to science and the space RECORD, as follows: shuttle fell apart upon re-entry into program. Last year, she visited an ele- EXCERPT FROM ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT JOHN Earth’s atmosphere in the skies above mentary school in Carroll, IA to edu- F. KENNEDY TO A SPECIAL JOINT SESSION OF Texas, the Nation once again fell into cate a second-grade class about the CONGRESS (MAY 25, 1961) mourning. space shuttle’s mission. A wife and . . . Now it is time to take longer strides— Each of the seven astronauts leaves mother of an 8-year-old son, the 41- time for a great new American enterprise— behind family and friends who now year-old Navy doctor was on her first time for this nation to take a clearly leading bear the burden of immense sorrow and space flight. In her e-mails from Colum- role in space achievement, which in many grief. May they find peace in the days ways may hold the key to our future on bia, Clark wrote about how ‘‘glorious’’ earth. and years ahead. The loss of a spouse, it was to see Earth from her position in I believe we possess all the resources and father, mother, sibling, or child brings space. May her loved ones find peace as talents necessary. But the facts of the mat- immeasurable anguish, especially she watches over them now from the ter are that we have never made the national under such tragic, public cir- heavens above. The necessary inves- decisions or marshalled the national re- cumstances. tigations are underway to discover sources required for such leadership. We have May they find comfort in the knowl- what went so terribly wrong on that never specified long-range goals on an urgent edge that their loved ones were pur- bright Saturday morning in February, time schedule, or managed our resources and suing their lifelong dreams. The our time so as to insure their fulfillment. just minutes before the crew’s home- Recognizing the head start obtained by the dreams of individuals whose aspira- coming. May we fully ascertain what Soviets with their large rocket engines, tions will benefit all of humanity. They went wrong to bring closure to the which gives them many months of lead-time, leave behind for their children and loved ones left behind and avert an- and recognizing the likelihood that they will grandchildren a legacy that will con- other tragedy. Congress will need to exploit this lead for some time to come in tinue to inspire generations to come. continue strong oversight and consider still more impressive success, we neverthe- The U.S. space program will continue. NASA’s budgeting needs to ensure an less are required to make new efforts on our Their mission will not be forgotten. own. For while we cannot guarantee that we effective, efficient, and safe space pro- shall one day be first, we can guarantee that In classrooms across America, Israel, gram. any failure to make this effort will make us India, and the world over, young im- It is sadly ironic to consider that for last. We take an additional risk by making it pressionable minds can learn from many Americans, these highly-trained in full view of the world, but as shown by the these seven ambitious individuals the and dedicated astronauts would have feat of astronaut Shepard, this very risk en- values inherent to the human spirit: remained to them anonymous if not for hances our stature when we are successful. courage, adventure, discipline, dis- the tragedy that took their lives. Con- But this is not merely a race. Space is open covery, commitment, exploration, and tinuing and improving the space pro- to us now; and our eagerness to share its risk-taking. gram would be the best way to honor meaning is not governed by the efforts of Each of the astronauts ought to be others. We go into space because whatever the legacy of the fallen Columbia crew. mankind must undertake, free men must remembered in history for their will- Consider the discoveries waiting to be fully share. ingness to risk it all in pursuit of sci- made in medicine, biology, physics, I therefore ask the Congress, above and be- entific discovery. The Columbia crew meteorology, and agro-sciences. Don’t yond the increases I have earlier requested carried out 90 experiments to help discount the advances already made in for space activities, to provide the funds solve problems here on Earth, includ- satellite communications and strategic which are needed to meet the following na- ing science experiments developed by tional goals: military defense systems thanks to First, I believe that this nation should students from 9 States and 8 countries. space exploration. commit itself to achieving the goal, before Thanks to their selfless good work— Four decades ago, the first American this decade is out, of landing a man on the ranging from tests developed to help astronauts launched us into space. moon and returning him safely to the fight cancer, improve crop yields, build There is no turning back on destiny earth.... But in a very real sense, it will earthquake-resistant buildings, and un- now. not be one man going to the moon—if we derstand the effects of dust storms on Notwithstanding the loss of human make this judgment affirmatively, it will be weather—human civilization stands to life, I believe the Columbia crew, in- an entire nation. For all of us must work to gain from their labors above. cluding Iowa-born Laurel Clark, would put him there... Like the explorers and frontiersman urge us to resume America’s space od- HIGH FLIGHT who traversed the unknown before yssey and get back to the future. (By John Gillespie Magee, Jr.) them, these seven men and women re- Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I (Magee was a 19-year-old American volun- sponded to a similar calling. Their rise today to honor the seven heroes teer with the Royal Canadian Air Force, who predecessors navigated uncharted terri- lost in the tragic explosion of the space was killed in training December 11, 1941.) tory by way of oceans and open prairie: shuttle Columbia on February 1, 2003. Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth Ferdinand Magellan. James Cook, The seven members of the Columbia And danced the skies on laughter-silvered Lewis and Clark. It is a timeless crew will be deeply missed by their wings; human quest to discover the undis- families, NASA, our entire country, Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tum- covered and to take risks. and others following this historic mis- bling mirth These magnificent seven set out on sion. Of sun-split clouds—and done a hundred heavenly horizons to explore, inves- Though I could recite an astonishing things tigate, research, and navigate what for list of accomplishments for each of the You have not dreamed of—wheeled and soared and swung most of us Earth-bound folks will re- seven astronauts, their most important High in the sunlight silence. Hov’ring there, main a mystery. We are indebted to contribution was the example of brav- I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and their courage, commitment and con- ery, courage, and excellence they set flung tributions. for men, women, and children across My eager craft through footless halls of air Mr. President, I wanted like to single the land. Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue out one member of the crew. One of I am proud to say that one of these I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy seven U.S. astronauts with Iowa ties, heroes, Air Force LTC Michael Ander- grace, Laurel Clark was born in Ames. She son was a beloved son of the Spokane Where never lark, or even eagle, flew; leaves behind some family members in And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod community and a cherished hero for The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Iowa, including her 96-year-old grand- men, women, and children in Wash- Put out my hand, and touched the face of mother Mary Haviland and Doug and ington. But Michael Anderson was a God. Betty Haviland, her aunt and uncle. hero long before the accepted the chal- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President. I rise For the second time in 16 months, Rev- lenge of the Columbia mission. today with a heavy heart to honor erend and Mrs. Haviland are coming to Lieutenant Colonel Anderson knew seven fallen astronauts, the adven- grips with devastating grief. They also he wanted to be an astronaut at the turers aboard Columbia. On Saturday, lost their son in the World Trade Cen- early age of 3. This dream followed him February 1, after 16 days in space, their ter attacks on 9/11. Friends and family to Washington, when he and his family

VerDate Jan 31 2003 03:32 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05FE6.008 S05PT1 S1924 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 5, 2003 moved to the Spokane area at age 11 tragedy, must be focused on ensuring astronaut and represents so well the di- after his father was assigned to the the safety of future space shuttle versity aboard the Columbia. Born in nearby Fairchild Air Force Base. flights. India, she moved to the United States Throughout his early education in The space shuttle program remains a to fulfill her dream of reaching the Spokane area public schools, Anderson leading force in scientific research and stars. She has now done that and more. remained focused on his goal of being in stimualting public interest in space Laurel Clark was a physician and a an astronaut, becoming an exceptional exploration. flight surgeon who loved her work and science student, and overcoming all of This leadership is exemplified by the her family. From aboard the shuttle the challenges facing a young African- numerous experiments conducted by Laurel said, ‘‘Life continues in a lot of American man in this country. the Columbia crew before the tragic re- places and life is a magical thing.’’ She He graduated from Cheney High entry, and the interest of scientists, could not have captured the feelings of School in Cheney, WA, in 1977 and con- schoolchildren, and people worldwide. so many any more accurately. Ilan tinued his science education with a The space shuttle is also critical for Ramon, who brought so much atten- bachelor of science degree in physics/ the assembly and operation of the tion and pride to this mission, was the astronomy from the University of International Space Station. first Israeli astronaut. The son of a Washington in 1981, when he was also Importantly, the benefits of the ex- Holocaust survivor, he brought with commissioned as a second lieutenant of periments conducted on the space shut- him aboard the shuttle a picture that a the Air Force. Anderson later com- tle and the International Space Station Jewish boy had drawn before he died in pleted a master of science degree in extend beyond the scientific commu- the Holocaust. physics from Creighton University in nity to directly enhance the lives of in- The diversity of this crew so accu- 1990. dividuals across the globe, whether in rately represents the diversity in the After becoming an astronaut in 1994, finding cures to diseases or helping us missions of NASA. Even through the Michael Anderson took to heart his re- understand the origin of the universe. cold war era and into today aboard the sponsibility as a role model for chil- While the tremendous technical and International Space Station, NASA has dren around the country and back scientific accomplishments of NASA been a leader in international rela- home. After his 1998 flight on the space demonstrate vividly that humans can tions. Taking giant steps for mankind, shuttle Endeavor to the Mir Space Sta- achieve previously inconceivable feats, NASA often times set the example for tion, Anderson visited his alma mater, the exploration of space also humbles the rest of the world to follow. It is in Cheney High School. us by exhibiting the miracle of this that spirit that we sent the Columbia With a crowd of enthralled students tiny ‘‘blue marble’’ in the cosmos and crew to do their work, and it is in that listening on, Anderson told the stu- the wonder and preciousness of human spirit that we will continue their work. dents that they could do what he had life. NASA has, from its inception, been done if they set goals and worked hard. Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, on charged with making the impossible Anderson also left the students a re- January 16 the crew of STS–107 possible. From the early days of the minder of his achievement, returning a launched from Cape Canaveral, FL Mercury Program, through the ad- school pennant that he had taken to through the skies to space. They were vancements in Gemini and the trium- space with him on the mission. On dis- sent on a mission to further space ex- phant successes of Apollo, NASA has play in the school’s main entrance, this ploration and had the work of more given us a sense of national pride. Yet pennant, along with a mission patch than 70 international scientists on- we mustn’t let our pride fool us into and small flag that also went into board. The Columbia crew of seven had thinking that NASA’s work is com- space, continues to serve as an inspira- a research mission in the space, phys- monplace. Each time a shuttle tion to the school’s students. ical, and life sciences. After a nearly launches and a mission is accom- LTC Anderson is an amazing story of flawless mission, the world witnessed plished, it is a miraculous, humbling courage, achievement against many their tragic death as the Columbia event. odds, and sacrifice for this country. He Space shuttle shattered above the The mission of these seven astro- provided a demonstration of excellence Earth upon its return on February 1. nauts did not end when the Columbia and offered a triumphant example of As is well known now, this crew, went down. No. Their mission will go accomplishment for Americans of all doing the work of international sci- on. Space exploration is in our blood, a color, race, and background. He will be entists, were quite international them- part of our national heritage. Manned missed, but he will never be forgotten. selves. The diverse group of human re- space flight will continue, and these The Washington family has also lost searchers spanned the globe, hailing heroes would want it to. We will move another friend in Navy CDR Willie home to the United States, India, and on with space exploration and we will McCool, who made Anacortes, WA, his Israel. Each country celebrated in their do so with pride, ensuring that these home during two terms of service at own way their national heroes upon seven lives were not lost in vain. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. the launch of Columbia. But now, these America is strong. She is steadfast. Commander McCool was not only countries join together in sharing our And she is brave. God has called these well regarded during his time at sorrows with each other in the after- mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters, Whidbey, but he continued his tie to math of such a heartbreaking tragedy. but we will not forget them. We will the community after he left. Commu- These people each brought something never forget the inspiration they gave nity members remember him for his special to the mission of NASA. CDR to so many hopeful citizens on Earth. kindness and professionalism and his Rick Husband first dreamed of being an We must persevere and we must move love of children; he often returned to astronaut at the age of 4 and worked on, for the honor of these seven fallen Fidalgo Elementary School to discuss throughout his life to become an astro- heroes. his work as an astronaut. naut, fulfilling his dream in 1994 when As chairman of the Science, Tech- We lost a good friend in Commander he was selected by NASA. Pilot Willie nology, and Space Subcommittee here McCool and also lost a piece of home; McCool was the most steady and de- in the Senate, I plan to take an active he brought a bit of Anacortes with him pendable of men; his friends considered role in ensuring that the dreams of on Columbia in the form of a Douglas themselves blessed to know him. Pay- these seven astronauts are not forgot- fir cone from the surrounding forest. load CDR Michael Anderson always ten. As NASA determines what went so Though the loss of this crew is a wanted to fly and along the way of terribly wrong, we will be diligent in sober reminder of the risks involved achieving his goals, he became a role doing everything we can in the Con- with human space flight, I join the model for African-American children gress to give NASA the support it President and many of my fellow Mem- across the United States. David Brown, needs to make sure we press forward bers of Congress in calling for the con- mission specialist, probably most accu- with scientific advances, and that tinued support of NASA’s space shuttle rately said what we believe now, that, nothing like this happens again. program. ‘‘This program will go on,’’ no matter Our next step will be to determine Critically, this support, together what happens. Kalpana Chawla trav- what the future of space exploration with a continued investigation of this eled an arduous path to becoming an holds for Americans—what our goal is

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:34 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05FE6.022 S05PT1 February 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1925 and how we get there. The tragedy that States and ‘‘carrying out the research There has never been any question NASA is enduring will not dissuade or of scientists around the world.’’ that we would fully fund the shuttle discourage America from venturing Our thoughts and prayers are with program and shuttle safety initiatives. into space. Our commitment to space Dr. Clark’s 8-year-old son Ian and her Year after year, Senator BOND and I exploration is firm. husband Jonathan Clark. The loss of worked together to make sure every- For the families of the seven, I send the space shuttle’s crew is devastating, thing that NASA asked for was put in my prayers. As Psalm 19 states, ‘‘The and my hope is that we can identify the Federal checkbook. But, we went heavens declare the glory of God . . .’’. the cause of the Columbia’s breakup and even farther than that. For the last The heavens are now declaring the prevent such tragedies in the future. two years, while I was chair, I wrote glory of these seven heroes. There are Dr. Laurel Clark told her loved ones into the report language that NASA seven more stars in the heavens to- of the Columbia mission, ‘‘magically, must make the safety of the shuttle night, and with each setting of the sun, the very first day we flew over Lake program and the safety of our astro- the spirits of our seven heroes will Michigan and I saw Wind Point clear- nauts its highest priority. Last year, I shine brighter. Every time we look up ly.’’ Speaking on behalf of Wisconsin, said in the committee’s report that into the starry night, we can remember we are honored that she considered NASA’s budget must reflect its long- the lives of the seven cherished heroes Racine her hometown. Today, we cele- term challenges. I asked for a detailed aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia and brate the brave contributions Dr. Lau- assessment of the agency’s needs and be proud, proud of their dedication, rel Blair Salton Clark made during her an accounting of what funding was their diversity, and their dream. life and career, and we honor her mem- needed. I express my heartfelt sorrow and ory throughout the Nation. The immediate need facing NASA is condolences to the families and friends I yield the floor. the Columbia investigation. This report of these seven astronauts. I will never Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr President, I rise addresses an immediate problem for forget the sacrifices they made in the to speak today on the Columbia trag- which there are immediate and severe name of exploration. May God bless edy. On Saturday, February 1, our Na- consequences. Then the long range them and their families. tion suffered a tragic loss. The seven issues must be addressed. What does Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise astronauts of the Space Shuttle Colum- NASA do about its aging infrastructure today to honor the memory of Dr. Lau- bia gave their lives in service of their and aging workforce? How are we going rel Blair Salton Clark, one of the seven country and all mankind. These brave to have a balanced 21st century space courageous astronauts tragically killed men and women displayed a dedication program that includes human flight, when the Space Shuttle Columbia dis- to duty and scientific exploration that space science and aeronautics? integrated over Texas on Saturday, is an inspiration to all of us. India and To conclude, I salute the men and February 1. Israel share in our shock and grief. women of Texas and Louisiana. The Dr. Clark was born in 1961 in Ames, Israel lost a national hero, their na- local law enforcement, national guard, IA. She graduated in 1979 from Racine’s tion’s first astronaut, Colonel Ilan regular men and women who live in William Horlick High School in Wis- Ramon. My thoughts and prayers are these small towns—everyone is pitch- consin. She received a bachelor’s de- with all the families. They should ing in to find fragments of the Colum- gree in zoology in 1983 and a doctorate know that the United States Senate bia, to guard them, to make sure every in medicine in 1987 from the University shares their sorrow and will remember piece gets to the NASA investigators. of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Clark joined and honor the lives of their loved ones. People are opening their homes to vol- the Navy, in part to finance her college The best way to honor these seven unteers, cooking and delivering meals. education. brave men and women is to move for- Thank you for everything you are A flight surgeon trained as a Navy ward with the space program. But first, doing. You represent the best of the undersea medical officer, Dr. Clark per- there needs to be a thorough, rigorous American spirit. Like we have seen formed medical evacuations from sub- and candid investigation of what went after other tragedies—the rescue work- marines during assignment in Holy wrong. The issues confronting us are ers and volunteers at ground zero—in Loch, Scotland. She was assigned as a immediate and severe. Three American the face of tragedy, America stands flight surgeon for a Marine Corps AV– astronauts remain in space. The two united. 8B Night Attack Harrier Squadron in investigative committees must gather Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I take this Yuma, AZ, and for the Naval Flight Of- the evidence, conduct their analysis time to express my grief, as well as the ficer Advanced Training Squadron in and report to the Congress and to the grief of all Mississippians, over the loss Pensacola, FL. In April of 1996, Dr. American people with candor so the of the crew of the Space Shuttle Colum- Clark was selected by NASA, and she shuttle program can move forward in bia. Mississippians feel a strong bond to qualified for flight assignment as a the safest way possible. both the space program and the crew of mission specialist after completing 2 In my years as chair of the Appro- the Columbia. One reason for this bond years of training and evaluation. priations Subcommittee, and now as is NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Cen- There were over 80 experiments con- its ranking member, shuttle safety has ter. The Stennis Space Center, which is ducted aboard Columbia, most dedi- been my top priority. But, shuttle safe- located in Hancock County, MS, tests cated to research investigating human ty and astronaut safety have also been every space shuttle’s main engine be- physiology, fire suppression, drug de- the priority of the committee—on a bi- fore it is installed for a launch. Also, livery techniques, and space commu- partisan basis. When I first joined the the Stennis Space Center’s remote nication technology. The research con- committee, Senator Jake Garn of sensing experts are currently assisting ducted during the 16-day mission was Utah—himself a former astronaut—was NASA in locating debris from the Co- sponsored by NASA and the European, my mentor. We worked together using lumbia. Canadian, and German Space Agencies. the findings of the Challenger and Au- Another reason Mississippians feel Schools and universities around the gustine Commissions as blueprints for closely connected to the Columbia trag- world were involved in many of the ex- NASA’s future. The Augustine report edy is that Robert and Barbara Ander- periments the crew performed in gave us guiding principles for a bal- son, the parents of LTC Michael Ander- Spacehab, a facility which offers sci- anced space program. The Challenger son, were both born in Mississippi. entists access to microgravity aboard report told us what we needed to do on While Mr. and Mrs. Anderson now live space shuttles. safety. Now, with my friend and col- in Spokane, WA, they still have family Many have noted and applauded the league, Senator KIT BOND, I share the members who reside in Madison Coun- diversity of the Columbia’s crew, and same bipartisan spirit. We have com- ty, MS. While these ties to the space Dr. Clark certainly hoped that the sci- mon goals and common values. He be- program and the crew of the Columbia entific experiments the crew conducted lieves, as I do, that safety must come provide Mississippians with a source of would benefit all mankind. In an e- first. Over the last few years, no mat- great honor and pride, now that trag- mail sent to her family and friends on ter which of us was chair and which edy has struck, these ties make the Friday, January 31, she spoke of feeling was ranking, safety was the number loss of the seven Columbia astronauts blessed to be representing the United one priority. that much more personal.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 03:32 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05FE6.025 S05PT1 S1926 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 5, 2003 The loss of the Columbia crew was neering College in 1982, a master of from a 16-day voyage aboard the space truly a national tragedy. While the science degree in aerospace engineering shuttle Columbia. The tragic loss of the United States has been blessed with from the University of Texas-Arlington crew of mission STS–107 touches not many outstanding natural resources, in 1984, and a doctorate in aerospace only all Americans, but also many no one will ever convince me that our engineering from the University of Col- members of our larger, global commu- most valuable resource is anything orado-Boulder in 1988. Chawla was the nity. As we honor the courageous men other than the outstanding individuals prime robotic arm operator on STS–87 and women of the Columbia and mourn this country produces. Our NASA as- in 1997 and had logged more than 376 their loss, our thoughts and prayers are tronauts are outstanding individuals hours in space prior to the Columbia with their families and loved ones. who represent the best of the best. flight. Chawla was the first Indian-born The seven men and women aboard While I am sure that many here are woman in space and leaves a husband the Columbia were truly a select group familiar with the type of outstanding behind. of explorers. They represented the vast personal achievement that is required CDR Laurel Blair Salton Clark, mis- range and distinction of our nation’s to become an astronaut, I would like to sion specialist 4. Laurel Clark, 41, was skills and achievements; all had exten- take a moment to give a brief synopsis a commander in the U.S. Navy and a sive training in various fields of sci- of the accomplishments of the seven naval flight surgeon. She received a entific inquiry. At the same time, they crew members of the Columbia shuttle. bachelor of science degree in zoology represented America’s finest aspira- COL Rick Husband, commander. Rick from the University of Wisconsin-Madi- tions. Diverse in their origins, they Husband, 45, was a test pilot in the U.S. son in 1983 and a doctorate in medicine shared a dream of space travel, and Air Force. He received a bachelor of from the same school in 1987. The Co- they lived and worked together in a science degree in mechanical engineer- lumbia flight was Clark’s first space common spirit of cooperation, curi- ing from Texas Tech University in 1980 flight. She leaves behind a husband and osity, and courage. and a master of science degree in me- an 8-year-old son. Michael Anderson, Columbia’s pay- chanical engineering from California COL Ilan Ramon, payload specialist load commander, spoke for all the crew State University-Fresno in 1990. Hus- 1. Ilan Ramon, 48, was a colonel in the when he said the following, in an inter- band had already completed a space Israeli Air Force. Ramon received a view appearing in the Baltimore Sun mission as the pilot of STS–96 in 1999, bachelor of science degree in elec- this past Sunday: on which the first docking with the tronics and computer engineering from I take the risk because I think what we’re International Space Station was per- the University of Tel Aviv in 1987. He doing is really important. For me, it’s the formed. Rick Husband leaves a wife and served as a fighter pilot during the fact that what I’m doing can have great con- two children behind. 1970s, 80s, and 90s and was a veteran of sequences and great benefits for everyone, CDR William C. McCool, pilot. Wil- the Yom Kippur War in 1973, as well as for mankind. liam C. McCool, 41, served as a com- the 1982 war in Lebanon. The Columbia Research was the primary mission of mander in the U.S. Navy and was also flight was Ramon’s first, and with it he STS–107. The Columbia carried 32 pay- a former test pilot. In 1983, McCool re- became the first Israeli in space. He loads with material for 59 separate in- ceived a bachelor of science degree in leaves behind a wife and four children. vestigations. Among these payloads applied science from the U.S. Naval As you can see, this group of individ- were student experiments from Aus- Academy, where he graduated second uals would stand out in any company, tralia, China, Israel, Japan, Liech- in his class. He later received a master and it is right that the country should tenstein, and the United States. State- of science degree in computer science mourn their loss. And as the country of-the-art communications equipment from the University of Maryland in mourns, it is especially important that allowed earthbound researchers and 1985 and a master of science degree in we remember the friends and family of the global public to witness experi- aeronautical engineering from the U.S. the lost astronauts. If just their ac- ments as they were being performed. Naval Postgraduate School in 1992. complishments and dedication to their To make the most of their 16 short This was William McCool’s first space countries can cause whole nations to days in space, the seven astronauts flight. He leaves behind a wife and mourn, I can only imagine the grief of worked in two shifts, around the clock. three children. those who knew them personally and We have suffered the grievous loss of LTC Michael P. Anderson, payload lost not only a national hero, but a our astronauts. But the astronauts commander. Michael Anderson, 43, was friend, or spouse, or parent. I can only completed much of their mission. a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air hope the knowledge that the thoughts We can honor the crew of mission Force, where he served as an instructor and prayers of entire Nations are with STS–107, Colonel Rick D. Husband, pilot and tactical officer. Anderson re- them will provide some small comfort. Commander William McCool, Lieuten- ceived a bachelor of science degree in While our Nation grieves deeply for ant Colonel Michael P. Anderson, Cap- physics/astronomy from University of these men and women who have made tain David M. Brown, Dr. Kalpana Washington in 1981 and a master of the ultimate sacrifice in the name of Chawla, Commander Laurel Blair science degree in physics from their countries, we take solace in the Salton Clark, and Colonel Ilan Ramon, Creighton University in 1990. Selected fact that we will benefit immeasurably by rededicating ourselves anew to the by NASA in December of 1994, Ander- for years to come from their dedication mission they so vigorously embraced. son flew on STS–89 in 1998 and has and hard work. The crew of the Colum- We must have a prompt and thorough logged over 211 hours in space. Ander- bia surely represented the best of this account of the events that brought son leaves behind a wife and two world. They entered space not just as down the Columbia, but we must not let daughters. members of one nationality, race, or our great sense of loss deter us from CAPT David M. Brown, mission spe- religion, but as fellow human beings. continuing their work. For more than cialist 1. David Brown, 46, was a cap- The crew members risked and ulti- forty years, the space program has tain in the U.S. Navy and served as a mately sacrificed their lives, not for played a vital role in our broader na- naval aviator and flight surgeon. personal gain, but for the advancement tional research efforts. Our space ex- Brown received a bachelor of science of science and the betterment of hu- plorations have led to scores of new degree in biology from the College of mankind. It is for these reasons that I discoveries, which have given us not William and Mary in 1978 and a doc- want to say thank you to COL Rick only better insights into the universe torate in medicine from Eastern Vir- Husband, CDR William C. McCool, LTC but also a better understanding of the ginia Medical School in 1982. This was Michael P. Anderson, CAPT David M. earth, and of life here on earth. We will Brown’s first space flight. Brown, Dr. Kalpana Chawla, CDR Lau- remain forever grateful to the crew of Dr. Kalpana Chawla, mission spe- rel Blair Salton Clark, COL Ilan the Columbia for the legacy they have cialist 2. Kalpana Chawla was an aero- Ramon, and all their friends and family left us, and the example they set. space engineer and an FAA certified who have shared in their sacrifice. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- flight instructor. She received a bach- Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, we ator from Rhode Island is recognized. elor of science degree in aeronautical are deeply saddened by Saturday’s loss Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise engineering from India’s Punjab Engi- of seven astronauts as they returned today to join my colleagues and the

VerDate Jan 31 2003 03:32 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05FE6.079 S05PT1 February 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1927 country in remembering the seven the Moon experienced powerful joy and carried into space by the shuttle. So all brave crewmembers of the Space Shut- monumental success, and yet we have Utahans join in expressing our condo- tle Columbia who tragically lost their faced tremendous setbacks and ex- lences to the families, and our deter- lives last Saturday morning, February treme sorrow. But we have persevered, mination that space exploration by 1, 2003. and we have continued our missions this country will nonetheless still go Rick Husband, William McCool, Mi- into the heavens. forward. chael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, From our colleague John Glenn and Mrs. HUTCHISON. Madam President, David M. Brown, Laurel Blair Salton Allan Shepherd to Neil Armstrong to Senator NELSON and I attended, along Clark, and Ilan Ramon gave their lives an international space station, and with many other Senators, the beau- trying to expand our knowledge of from the crew of Challenger and the tiful service yesterday honoring these science, advance our technology, and crew of Columbia, we must continue to brave astronauts that we now know so broaden the limits of our universe. challenge ourselves as they challenged much more about. Today the Senate is These seven courageous astronauts themselves. We must continue to bet- commemorating these Columbia astro- sacrificed their lives for our future. ter ourselves as a nation and continue nauts and reconfirming the importance While this is a time of great sadness, it to grow. to our country that space research has is also a time to take great pride in President Kennedy challenged Amer- been and will continue to be. their achievements, their dedication, ica to send a man to the Moon. We In the resolution we talk about U.S. and their service to the Nation and to have met that challenge and have gone Air Force COL Rick Husband, the mis- the world. far beyond. sion commander, who was from Texas; They were seven different people As we continue with future missions, U.S. Navy commander, William Willie with various skills, many talents, and we must never forget these seven brave McCool, the pilot; U.S. Air Force LTC different backgrounds, and they all souls. They gave the ultimate sacrifice Michael Anderson, payload com- came to work together as a team. That for a noble cause. My deepest condo- mander, mission specialist; U.S. Navy is what most people believe America lences go out to their families and the CAPT David Brown, mission specialist; should be like: working together as a Nation that mourns them and the U.S. Navy commander Laurel Blair team to accomplish something greater country of Israel that mourns its lost Salton Clark, mission specialist; Dr. than themselves. They could have had astronaut. This is a time for mourning, Kalpana Chawla, mission specialist; very comfortable jobs somewhere else, but we must shortly move on and con- and Israeli Air Force COL Ilan Ramon, but they chose to risk their lives for tinue to run the great risks they took, payload specialist. They were killed in the country. They have not only found in their memory, so we can build upon the line of duty. The Senate is hon- a place in our hearts, but they have their sacrifice, so we continue to reach oring them today. found a place in our imagination also for the heavens and beyond. Debris has been recovered in 38 coun- because, for me, they represent what I yield the floor and suggest the ab- ties of my State, spreading over a sur- this country is all about. They came sence of a quorum. face area of 28,000 square miles, an area together. They came from modest cir- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the size of West Virginia. The Space cumstances. They used the power of clerk will call the roll. Shuttle Columbia broke up 40 miles education to prepare themselves not The assistant legislative clerk pro- above the ground. just for personal success but to con- ceeded to call the roll. It is my honor to cosponsor this reso- tribute to the Nation and to contribute Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I ask lution with Senator NELSON, the only to the world. They exemplify the best unanimous consent that the order for Member of the Senate who has actually of this Nation. the quorum call be rescinded. been on a manned space flight, and They understood that great accom- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Senator Glenn, of course, before him. plishment and great achievement bring objection, it is so ordered. He has been a great resource on the great risk. They knew this, yet they f committee. valiantly accepted, in the name of Before turning it over to Senator RECESS science and exploration, all the risks. NELSON of Florida, I ask for the yeas It is important we pay tribute to them Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I ask and nays. and acknowledge the risks our astro- unanimous consent that the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a nauts take with every mission. stand in recess for the policy lunches sufficient second? There is a sufficient We tend to take these risks for grant- and that it reconvene at 2:15 p.m. second. ed and forget the extreme conditions There being no objection, the Senate, The yeas and nays were ordered. and pressures these brave men and at 12:27 p.m., recessed until 2:16 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- women face and will face in the future. and reassembled when called to order ator from Florida. In honor of the crew of Columbia, we by the Presiding Officer (Mrs. DOLE). Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam must not take these risks for granted f President, how much time remains in any longer. the debate? In their honor, we must pledge to COMMEMORATING THE ‘‘COLUM- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- BIA’’ ASTRONAUTS—Continued continue the peaceful exploration of ator has 21⁄2 minutes. space. We have forged international The PRESIDING OFFICER. There Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam partnerships. We have been able to are now 5 minutes evenly divided. President, it is with sadness that I rise share the pride of an international Mrs. HUTCHISON. I yield 11⁄2 minutes to join my colleague from Texas to space station. We must continue to to Senator BENNETT from Utah. support this resolution. So many of our fund NASA, continue our space pro- Mr. BENNETT. Madam President, all colleagues have joined us. We thank grams, and continue in the tradition of that needs to be said has been said by you very much for joining us yesterday American and human accomplishment. the President and others about the as we went to the space center in Hous- Later this year, we will celebrate the shuttle disaster. I simply note the peo- ton. 100th anniversary of the Wright broth- ple of Utah are particularly distressed, This is a resolution that not only ers’ monumental 59-second flight on not only with the human tragedy that talks about the past, and about brav- December 17, 1903. That flight forever affects all Americans but because the ery, but it talks about the future. It changed the world. Fifty-four years space program is very close to the talks not only about honoring the leg- later, we were able to put a man in hearts of all Utahans. acy and the lives and the sacrifice of space. My predecessor in the Senate, Jake these brave souls but also about ful- The process of innovation and explo- Garn, was an astronaut on the shuttle. filling America’s destiny as a nation of ration must go on, and America must The Jake Garn Space Center at Utah explorers and adventurers. play its traditional significant, historic State University is named after the This resolution is about the vision role. Senator. The schoolchildren of Utah that ignites the heart of almost every We have in our process from the assembled project ‘‘Star Shine,’’ which American, to think that we are push- sands of Kitty Hawk to the stretches of was a school science project that was ing back the frontier. As we developed

VerDate Jan 31 2003 03:32 Feb 06, 2003 Jkt 019061 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G05FE6.028 S05PT1