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Home , Ilan Ramon, Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Clark, Rick Husband

H258 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2004 would have more incentive to invest in Meeting these priorities will require Force, a former pilot instructor and tactical new jobs and new equipment. As a re- hard work, skill, and the resources of a officer, and a veteran of STS–89, and held de- sult, our economy is strong, and grow- great Nation. Yet America has always grees from the University of Washington and ing stronger. Economic output in the risen to new challenges, and has always Creighton University; Whereas , 41, was an aero- third quarter rose at its fastest annual set new goals. Challenge and change space engineer, a Federal Aviation Adminis- pace in nearly 20 years. More manufac- have revealed the true strengths of this tration Certified Flight Instructor, and a turers reported rising factory activity Nation and the enterprise of its people. veteran of STS–87, and held degrees from than at any point in the last 20 years. And as 2004 begins, I am confident Punjab Engineering College (India), the Uni- American homeownership reached its those gifts will serve us again, until versity of at Arlington, and the Uni- highest level ever. Employment is on our work is done. versity of Colorado, Boulder; the rise. By cutting tax rates on in- GEORGE W. BUSH. Whereas David M. Brown, 46, was a Captain vestment gains and dividend payments, February 2, 2004. in the Navy, a naval aviator, and a naval , and held degrees we promoted saving, capital formation, f and investment—and Americans’ hold- from the College of William and Mary and b 1415 Eastern Virginia Medical School; ings in the stock market rose by al- Whereas Laurel B. Clark, 41, was a Com- most $3 trillion. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER mander in the and naval There is still more to do, however. PRO TEMPORE flight surgeon, and held degrees from the We cannot be satisfied until every The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. SIM- University of Wisconsin, Madison; American looking for work has found a MONS). Pursuant to the provisions of Whereas , 48, was a Colonel in job. We must sustain the momentum of clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair an- the , a fighter pilot, and ’s first ; this recovery by making the tax relief nounces that he will postpone further passed in 2001 and 2003 permanent. We Whereas these brave will never proceedings today on each motion to will continue to open markets abroad be forgotten by the National Aeronautics suspend the rules on which a recorded for American products. And as the and Space Administration family and all vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, those who believe in the importance of ex- economy improves, we will also con- or on which the vote is objected to ploring our universe; and front the challenge faced by workers Whereas when the National Aeronautics who must learn new skills to fill new under clause 6 of rule XX. Such record votes, if postponed, will and Space Administration’s Explo- jobs. As a Nation, we must help Ameri- be taken after 6:30 p.m. today. ration Rover (MER) Spirit landed on Mars on cans develop the skills they need to January 3, 2004, it brought with it a small succeed in a highly competitive, highly f commemorative plaque bearing the names of productive economy. And so this Budg- EXPRESSING SORROW ON THE AN- the seven astronauts, establishing an endur- et continues to support high standards NIVERSARY OF THE SPACE ing memorial on another planet to the fallen in our schools and proposes a Jobs for SHUTTLE ‘‘COLUMBIA’’ ACCIDENT crew of Columbia: Now, there- the 21st Century initiative to ensure fore, be it Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move Resolved, That the House of Representa- older students and adults can gain the to suspend the rules and agree to the tives does offer its gratitude to the seven skills they need to find work now. resolution (H. Res. 507), expressing the astronauts and its Economic growth and good steward- profound sorrow of the House of Rep- heartfelt sympathy to their families on the ship of taxpayer dollars will help us anniversary of their loss, with the reassur- resentatives on the anniversary of the meet another important priority: cut- ance that this sacrifice will not have been accident that cost the crew of the ting the budget deficit brought on by made in vain, but will strengthen this Na- recession and war. We must continue Space Shuttle Columbia their lives, and tion’s resolve to continue their journey of discovery. to evaluate each Federal program, to extending heartfelt sympathy to their make sure that it meet its goals, and families. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The Clerk read as follows: produces and desired results. I proposed ant to the rule, the gentleman from to hold discretionary spending growth H. RES. 507 Texas (Mr. BURGESS) and the gen- below four percent, less than the aver- Whereas , 2004, marks the one tleman from Texas (Mr. LAMPSON) each age rate of growth of American family year anniversary of the accident that will control 20 minutes. claimed the Space Shuttle Columbia and the The Chair recognizes the gentleman incomes. And spending unrelated to de- lives of seven heroic astronauts that made from Texas (Mr. BURGESS). fense and homeland security will be up its crew; held below one percent growth—less GENERAL LEAVE Whereas, while in orbit, Columbia’s experi- Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I ask than the rate of inflation—while con- enced crew conducted important micro- unanimous consent that all Members tinuing to meet education, health care, gravity research into the life sciences, phys- and other priorities of this Nation. ical sciences, and space and earth sciences, may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their re- With this spending restraint and con- in addition to promoting education initia- marks and include extraneous material tinued pro-growth economic policies, tives; on H. Res. 507. we can cut the deficit in half over the Whereas the Columbia experienced a struc- tural failure that resulted in its destruction The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there next five years. over the States of Texas and Louisiana as it objection to the request of the gen- Finally, this Budget addresses the approached to land on February 1, 2003; tleman from Texas? needs of a great and compassionate Na- Whereas the seven crew members of STS– There was no objection. tion, whose values are strong, and 107, Rick D. Husband (Commander), William Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield whose institutions of hope are endur- C. McCool (Pilot), Michael P. Anderson (Pay- such time as he may consume to the ing. We are helping communities of load Commander), Kalpana Chawla (Mission majority leader of the House of Rep- Specialist), David M. Brown (Mission Spe- faith pull the addicted out of depend- resentatives, the gentleman from ency. We are lifting children out of a cialist), Laurel B. Clark (Mission Specialist), and Ilan Ramon () exhib- Texas (Mr. DELAY). life of despair by making sure they Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the have mentors, and we will continue to ited unparalleled bravery and commitment to the goal of exploring space and advancing gentleman from Texas (Mr. BURGESS) press for improvements in our schools, mankind’s search for knowledge in the cos- for bringing this very important reso- so that no child is left behind. We are mos; lution to the floor of the House. extending hope and healing to millions Whereas , 45, was a Colonel Mr. Speaker, we can still see their suffering from the global epidemic of in the , a , faces. Their friends can still hear their AIDS. We will begin to implement of and a veteran of STS–96, and held degrees hearty laughter. And their families can the benefits of our Medicare mod- from and still feel their embrace. At every men- ernization and reform law, which will State University, Fresno; tion of their names or reminder of bring all our seniors coverage for pre- Whereas William C. McCool, 41, was a Com- their courage, our hearts ache with the mander in the United States Navy and test scription drugs. And we will make pilot, and held degrees from the United hollow pangs of mourning and our health care more affordable and extend States Naval Academy and the University of thoughts and prayers turn to their the full benefits of our health care sys- Maryland; loved ones. For there is no loss like the tem to more Americans who currently Whereas Michael P. Anderson, 43, was a loss of a hero. And 1 year ago our Na- have no health insurance. Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air tion and our world lost seven.

VerDate jul 14 2003 00:43 Feb 04, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A03FE7.003 H03PT1 February 3, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H259 Though they came from different na- The employees and contractors of Mr. Speaker, on January 16, 2003, the tions, practiced different faiths, and are connected to Space Shuttle Columbia lifted off from sought answers to different mysteries, the astronauts not just at work but in on a 16-day mis- the winding road of providence brought their everyday life. The community at sion. The mission would take the Co- them all to one place on earth where JSC is an extended family. lumbia seven astronauts on a journey of their common calling could be an- Amidst all the lofty talk, cere- over 6 million miles. While in orbit the swered. They came to Johnson Space monies, and resolutions, let us not for- STS–107 conducted important micro- Center. get that a community and seven fami- gravity research in areas that would And there, at America’s great labora- lies lost friends, brothers, fathers, sons, impact the lives of all mankind. tory of the impossible, they trained wives, sisters, mothers, and daughters. b 1430 and studied, alongside the finest collec- Back in Clear Lake, right off the cam- tion of public servants that I know, pus of JSC, there is a place called Mr. Speaker, like many who live in inching ever closer to their dreams and Frenchie’s. It is a place where astro- north Texas, I was home in the district their destiny. And though we still nauts and employees go after work to that weekend, and I will never forget mourn 1 year later, it is their lives relax a bit, have a meal or something, the sonic boom, a sonic boom that was that we honor in this resolution, not share their experiences and bond in a more felt than heard, that morning in their loss. very special way. north Texas. When Columbia broke up Columbia’s ‘‘corps of discovery’’ may I stopped by there the Saturday in the Texas sky on the morning of be gone, but death has no power over evening after the Columbia tragedy, and February 1, 2003, the seven astronauts the memory of heroes. It is left to us, that day there was a feeling of crush- aboard were 16 minutes from home, 16 then, in this House and in this Nation ing sadness and loss but also a hope minutes from completion of a success- to live up to the challenge their lives of that the vision and dream that those ful mission, 16 minutes from once again service issued: Will we carry on Amer- seven heroes died for will not be lost seeing their loved ones. ica’s mission in space or will we ignore but instead will be reborn, that their The final comm check to Columbia our deepest yearnings for knowledge loss will remind the American people from mission control at Johnson Space and tether mankind to ‘‘the surly of the great challenge we face and the Center went unanswered. The families bonds of earth’’? I think we know what prospect of a better world that the awaiting the crew’s return at Kennedy the Columbia seven would say. space program gives us. were welcomed by an empty sky. And if there be any doubt, just walk The crew of STS–107 would not want For those looking up at the north outside on a clear night, look into the us to dwell only on their deaths. In- Texas sky that morning, it was pain- southern sky and ask them. stead, I believe they would want us to fully evident that something had gone For immortal in death, the Columbia reflect on the cause for which they terribly amiss. heroes live on at home in the heavens, gave their lives: the exploration of Today it is our duty to honor the among the ancient stars that first space. And I have no doubt that they seven brave astronauts who perished in stirred their souls, looking down on us the Shuttle Columbia accident a little all with love and hope, lighting our would want us to rededicate ourselves to the task of ensuring that this Na- over a year ago. The crew included way through the darkness. They will Commander Rick Husband, Pilot Wil- answer you. tion continues that exploration. It is unfortunate that it took the Co- liam McCool, Payload Commander Mi- Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I re- chael Anderson, Mission Specialist serve the balance of my time. lumbia tragedy to remind many of our David Brown, Mission Specialist Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield citizens that space flight is not rou- Kalpana Chawla, Mission Specialist myself such time as I may consume. tine, it is hard. It is dangerous. The Mr. Speaker, I come to this floor crew of Columbia knew that and yet Laurel Blair Salton Clark, and Payload today just as I did a year ago, unfortu- they did not cease from exploring. Nei- Specialist Ilan Ramon. nately, with a feeling of sadness. ther should we. Knowing full well the dangers of I am an original cosponsor of this We have serious work to do over the space flight, they faced them willingly. resolution that is before us today, next coming months in determining Because of their courage, we will miss House Resolution 507, because I believe the best path for our America’s space them even more. that it is important that we never for- program. There are likely to be strong During the past year NASA has un- get the sacrifices made by the brave opinions and differing views on how dergone a serious investigation in the and dedicated men and women of STS– best to proceed. And that is all to the causes of this accident. And over the 107: Rick Husband, William McCool, good. America’s space program is too last year the agency has learned from Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, important to the future of this country its tragedies as well as its triumphs. David Brown, , Ilan for us not to give it serious attention. The recent success of the Mars Rovers, Ramon. Each one of them gave the last I welcome the discussion and debate Spirit and Opportunity, show that the full measure of devotion to the cause of as long as it leads to some clear deci- United States is a leader in space ex- space exploration. sions and commitments by both the ploration. But we must remember that There have been numerous cere- Congress and the White House. How- failures in this realm can often have monies over the past few days to re- ever, that is not a task for today. very human consequences. Since the member the crew of Columbia, includ- Today we pause to remember the crew loss of Columbia, the President and ing yesterday’s memorial service at Ar- of STS–107, to offer our condolences to Congress have been working to map lington Cemetery. I think it is impor- all who loved them. out a clear mission for NASA and to re- tant for this body as well, the United I speak today not just as a Member of structure human space flight programs States House of Representatives, also Congress, but as part of a community around that mission. As we continue to pause in our deliberations to express that firmly believes in what Rick Hus- this process, we cannot afford to forget again our profound gratitude for their band and William McCool and Michael the memories of the seven Columbia as- service and our deepest sympathies to Anderson and David Brown and tronauts that fateful day. their families and loved ones on the an- Kalpana Chawla and Laurel Blair and Yesterday, the Administrator of niversary of their deaths. Ilan Ramon gave their lives for. NASA, Sean O’Keefe, dedicated a me- Back home, the space shuttle and the On behalf of the Ninth District of morial to the Columbia astronauts at International Space Station take on a Texas and the people of the Johnson Arlington National Cemetery. In a very personal dimension. All the astro- Space Center and that community, I place dedicated to fallen liberators and nauts in the NASA program, including urge this country and this body to go defenders of freedom, it is a fitting me- the seven aboard the Columbia, are a forward, and I urge my colleagues to morial to honor those who gave their part of our community. They are our join us in support of H. Res. 507. lives in pursuit of knowledge and in friends, our neighbors. Their kids go to Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of pursuit of discovery. schools with our kids. They shop at the my time. President Bush has said the cause of same grocery stores and pray at the Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield ‘‘exploration and discovery is not an same churches and synagogues. myself such time as I may consume. option that we choose. It is a desire

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:30 Feb 04, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.015 H03PT1 H260 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2004 written into the human heart. We find I also want to pay special respect to roes: Colonel Rick Husband, Lieutenant Colo- the best among us, send them forth Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Husband, who nel Michael Anderson, Commander Laurel into unmapped darkness, and pray that graced our presence on Sunday, Feb- Clark, Captain David Brown, Commander Wil- they will return. They go in peace for ruary 1, in their words and remarks at liam McCool, Dr. Kapana Chawla, and Colonel all mankind and all mankind is in their Grace Community Church, again, a Ilan Ramon. Those seven courageous explor- debt.’’ place of honor for those two men, along ers paid the ultimate price to improve our un- Our sympathies go out to the griev- with their colleagues where they at- derstanding of the universe, to advance our ing families and, indeed, the sym- tended and where I was able to worship medical and engineering sciences, to keep the pathies of this body and of a grateful with them just a year ago as we hon- United States economy on the cutting edge of Nation. It is an honor to stand here ored and mourned those great fallen technology, and to inspire young and old alike. today to honor the sacrifices of these heroes. Mr. Speaker, I am a proud cosponsor of this explorers. Those seven courageous explorers resolution, and would also like to thank Mr. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of paid the ultimate price to improve our BURGESS for joining with 238 other Members my time. understanding of the universe, to ad- of Congress in cosponsoring a bill I have intro- Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield vance our medical and engineering duced, which would posthumously award the 31⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman from services, to keep the United States’ seven members of the Columbia crew with the , Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE), economy on the cutting edge of tech- Congressional Gold Medal. It would honor the who represents many of the friends and nology, and to inspire young and old. families of the crewmembers, but it would do family of the lost crew members of the We look forward to this budgeting more than that. It would also require the Sec- STS–107. process where we hope the President retary of the Treasury to make bronze dupli- (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked will join us by using his economic and cates of that medal available for sale to the and was given permission to revise and engine arm, if you will, to push the vi- public, to serve as an enduring reminder of extend her remarks.) sion forward by the right appropria- the sacrifice of those brave pioneers. I am Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. tions for what we may need to do. sure sales of those medallions would more Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I am also a proud co- than pay for the cost of producing the Gold Texas (Mr. LAMPSON) very much. And sponsor of this resolution as was noted. Medals. I hope to see that bill go forward might I take a personal point of privi- I thank the sponsors who are on the soon, as we continue to focus on the Colum- lege to congratulate the gentleman as floor in joining with 238 of my other bia, what it meant to us, and what it means to the new ranking member of the Sub- colleague who have joined me in co- our future. committee on Space and Aeronautics sponsoring the bill to award the Con- NASA is a source of dreams for our young of our very great committee, the Com- gressional Gold Medal posthumously to and old alike, providing insights into the ori- mittee on Science. the seven members of the Columbia gins, destiny, and wonder, of our universe. In Let me also thank the gentleman crew. pursuing the noble goal of exploration, NASA from Texas (Mr. BURGESS) for his lead- I ask my colleagues to join us in also conducts scientific space-based research, ership in allowing us to come to the signing on to this resolution, to give to develops innovations that save lives, spur on floor today and join in a bipartisan the families a special Congressional our economy, and keep us on the cutting edge manner of celebration but also com- Gold Medal that they can hold and pass of technology. NASA has developed systems memoration. down to their children and generations that make our satellites and communications Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support to come. infrastructure more reliable and less vulner- H. Res. 507 enthusiastically but with This gold medal would honor the able to cyberterrorism. NASA inspires young some sorrow and some recognition. families of the crew members by engineers, scientists—and all sorts of people Allow me to acknowledge that day as awarding them this particular tribute, who want to a part of something truly great one of public and global shock. And so and it would also require the Secretary and noble—to push their minds to new levels we continue to mourn publicly and of the Treasury to make bronze dupli- of excellence. These people become role globally, not just in the United States, cates of that medal available for sale models for future generations of intellectual but around the world. to the public to serve as an enduring pioneers. As my good friend and colleague said, reminder of the sacrifice of these brave these were our friends and neighbors, pioneers. That means that they can The astronauts aboard the Columbia were those of us who came from Houston. have something that will add invest- of the highest caliber, exemplifying our Na- We knew them as they worshipped, as ment to the future of space. tion’s pioneering ideals and always striving for they have practiced their trade, but NASA is a source of dreams for our excellence. They were skilled professionals, also as they played. So I rise in support young and old alike, providing insights scientists, clinicians, and adventurers. They of this resolution and commend my into the origins, destiny and wonder of were family men and women, and we will colleagues from Texas for taking the our universe. In pursuing the noble cherish their contributions to our country and time to honor the crew of the Space goal of exploration, NASA also con- the world. The crew of the Columbia rep- Shuttle Columbia who lost their lives a ducts scientific space-based research, resented the diversity of our Nation, and our year ago. develops innovations that save lives, spirit of collaboration with other nations. When the Columbia went down the spur our economy and keep us on the We honor the seven members of the crew world lost a great symbol of human in- cutting edge of technology. NASA has for their heroism and spirit. We pay tribute to genuity and creativity. Those of us developed systems that make our sat- the sacrifices made by these men and women from Houston, as I said, lost friends ellites and communications infrastruc- on behalf of the country. They helped mankind and neighbors and, of course, family ture more reliable and less vulnerable reach new heights. As we look back with sor- members and brothers and sisters, to cyber-terrorism. row on what we lost a year ago, I hope we mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles NASA inspires young engineers and can also celebrate the great accomplishments and a myriad of relationships. scientists. In essence, Mr. Speaker, and spirit of the Columbia crew. I would like to look back one more NASA is worthy of our support. It is Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 time on what we have lost, seven of worthy of the vision. Let us support minutes to the gentleman from New humankind’s greatest heroes, Colonel NASA as we go into 21st century. York (Mr. BOEHLERT), the chairman of Rick Husband, Lieutenant Colonel Mi- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolu- the Committee on Science. chael Anderson, Commander Laurel tion, and commend my colleague from Texas Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I Clark, Captain David Brown, Com- for taking the time to honor the crew of Space thank my colleague from Texas for in- mander William McCool, Dr. Kapana Shuttle Columbia, who lost their lives a year troducing this resolution and for call- Chawla, and Colonel Ilan Ramon. ago. When the Columbia went down, the ing attention to the memory of great Let me also acknowledge the thou- world lost a great symbol of human ingenuity Americans and an Israeli. sands upon thousands of NASA employ- and creativity. Those of us from Houston also Husband, McCool, Anderson, Brown, ees around the Nation. I know they lost friends and neighbors that day. I would Chawla, Clark, Ramon, One year after mourn and I know they care as they like to look back one more time on what we their tragic deaths, their names remain are caring and mourning at this time. have lost—seven of humankind’s greatest he- seared in our national memory.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:35 Feb 04, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.017 H03PT1 February 3, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H261 Of course, their loss is felt most deep- Today we honor these brave men and Today, we remember the crew of the ly by those who call them mother, fa- women on the anniversary of their Columbia and their legacy. We remem- ther, husband, wife, neighbor, friends; fateful 16-day mission dedicated to re- ber their sacrifice and honor their fam- but they are an inspiration to us all. search in physical, life and space ily and friends who remain in our pray- Their deaths have not been in vain. sciences. This most unfortunate and ers on this difficult anniversary. They have prompted young people to tragic loss of five men and two women, The seven brave astronauts who died think about what they can be when representing the faces of a diversity of would want us to look forward to the they grow up and about how Americans races and nationalities, will be future with determination to press on. take great risk in striving for great mourned for these great American he- They would want us to uphold the mis- achievement. roes and heroines, and we will never sion of NASA in times of tragedy, as Our Nation’s space program is built forget the reasons why they were in well as in times of triumph, and most on the dreams and aspirations of an ex- space, exploring how we can make life of all, they would want us to keep ploring people willing to take risk. better on this Earth. reaching, to keep learning more, to ex- This Congress is proud of our explorers, Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I re- plore more, to venture on into space those who have returned and those few serve the balance of my time. for the benefit of all mankind. whom fate has held back. Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 Today, we honor Colonel Rick Hus- With this resolution we honor the minutes to the gentleman from Texas band, Commander William McCool, Dr. seven men and women who flew the (Mr. TURNER). I know that in East Kalpana Chawla, Dr. Laurel Clark, Dr. Shuttle Columbia’s final fateful mis- Texas thousands of people turned out David Brown, Lieutenant Colonel Mi- sion. They will never be forgotten. to look for the remains of the shuttle chael Anderson, Colonel Ilan Ramon. A Their memory will live in the hearts and they came down in the district of grateful Nation will always remember, and minds of all Americans, and ex- the gentleman. and in their memory, may we never plorers throughout the world will al- Mr. TURNER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, cease to reach for the heavens. ways think of them as they gaze to- I thank my colleagues, the gentleman Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 wards the heavens with wonder and from Texas (Mr. BURGESS) and the gen- minutes to the gentleman from Illinois amazement and awe. tleman from Texas (Mr. LAMPSON), for (Mr. DAVIS), my friend who was vis- Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield sponsoring this resolution. iting in Houston this weekend. It was one year ago that we all 21⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I shared in the tragedy of the Space Dallas, Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE want to thank the gentleman for yield- Shuttle Columbia. A team of seven as- JOHNSON), in whose district some of the ing me the time. tronauts traveling back home from the shuttle actually came down. I rise today to join with my col- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of frontier of paid the ulti- leagues in remembering the loss of the mate sacrifice as their spacecraft Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me hasten to seven astronauts aboard the Space broke apart across the blue skies of thank the leaders of this resolution Shuttle Columbia on February 1, 2003, East Texas. The seven who perished and all of the cosponsors and our es- as well as to express our heartfelt sym- showed great patriotism and courage, teemed leaders of the committee. pathies to the families of Rick Hus- serving our Nation in the field of the I rise today in support of House Reso- band, commander; William C. McCool, space exploration. lution 507, expressing the profound sor- pilot; Michael P. Anderson, payload The NASA astronaut corps is the row of the House of Representatives on very best and brightest of our Nation, commander; Kalpana Chawla, mission the anniversary of the accident that men and women unafraid to strap specialist; David M. Brown, mission cost the lives of the crew of the Space themselves into a spacecraft and specialist; Laurel B. Clark, mission Shuttle Columbia. launch off into the unknown so that specialist; and Ilan Ramon, payload Let me express my appreciation to our Nation and our world can expand specialist. all of the members of the committee our knowledge and improve our well- The seven astronauts aboard the that has been nonpartisan and cohesive being. Space Shuttle Columbia were on a 16- in considering all of our concerns com- These astronauts were pursuing their day scientific mission. The mission ing before that esteemed committee. dreams and ours. And when tragedy held the promise of answering sci- I am very certain that the lives of struck their ship, a Nation in grief entific problems that we confront here these people have not been lost in vain. united to show honor to their service. on earth. The lives and sacrifices of This space exploration research pro- Over 25,000 workers and volunteers these seven men and women should be gram has been one of the most success- spent months searching through the remembered. That is why last year I ful research programs in the history of woods and fields of East Texas, seeking wrote a letter urging the United States our country. We know that because we to recover the Columbia and her crew. Postal Service to design a stamp that have investigated, we have listened to In towns like Hemphill, Rusk, would honor them and the space pro- reports that we will improve upon what Nacogdoches, San Augustine and gram. caused this accident, and we can hope- Lufkin, the citizens of East Texas and The space program has meant a great fully say that this will never happen my congressional district responded as deal to our Nation, and its benefits to again. did all citizens across America. mankind are enormous. The brave crew Over 40 years ago the foresight of East Texans are patriotic folks who of the Shuttle Columbia was dis- persons that came along before us are known to help a neighbor or friend embarking from a mission which they caused us to get into this type of re- in need. For weeks on end they combed believed in and loved doing. They are search. We also owe those leaders some through the thickets of the piney indeed fallen heroes who are held in homage for their foresight, and I am woods, they cooked meals, they high regard as role models for many hoping that we will then have the fore- brought in supplies, they gave shelter children around the world who dream sight to continue the research. to those who came from all across of going to space someday. Human space exploration is inher- America to help. Mr. Speaker, these men and women ently risky. Distance, speed and envi- represented the best and the brightest ronment that cannot support human b 1445 of what America and the world has to life combine to make human space The NASA family became a part of offer. They were willing to go to the flights particularly precarious. Unfor- the East Texas family, and they will outer limits to explore for the benefit tunately, the world has new evidence of always remain in our hearts. The scrip- of all humanity. As Socrates said, the dangers associated with space ex- tures bring us solace and hope in times ‘‘Man must rise above the earth, to the ploration. Millions watched as images like these. The psalmist David wrote, top of the world, to the top of the at- of a singular, brilliant point of light in ‘‘The heavens declare the glory of God. mosphere and beyond, for only thus the sky became two, three and four The skies proclaim the work of His will he fully understand the world in points of light as the Space Shuttle Co- hands. Day after day, they pour forth which he lives.’’ lumbia broke apart over my home State speech. Night after night they display Once again, our heart goes out to the of Texas and my hometown of Dallas. knowledge.’’ families and colleagues of these brave

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:30 Feb 04, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.018 H03PT1 H262 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 3, 2004 men and women who gave the most the end, she made the ultimate sacrifice in the items that she took with her into space was a that they had to offer; indeed their name of this cause, hoping that the scientific UTA T-shirt with ‘‘UT Arlington Aerospace En- lives, for the cost of space. research she conducted in space could pro- gineering’’ printed on one side and ‘‘As a mat- Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 vide a better world for all humanity. As we ter of fact, I am a rocket scientist,’’ on the minutes to the gentleman from Amer- honor the life of Laurel Clark, we must never other. ican Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA). forget the joy, happiness and everlasting inspi- K.C. took great pride in her Indian roots. (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and ration that she brought to the world, and we She believed her entry into space was a great was given permission to revise and ex- should strive to live our lives as she did. accomplishment for her country and was im- tend his remarks.) Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, words are not pressed by the level of support that her fellow Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, sufficient to describe how I felt on Saturday Indians expressed for her. In a final e-mail that I certainly want to extend my appre- morning, February 1, 2003, when the Chair- she sent to the students of her hometown ciation and commendation to the man- man of the Democratic Caucus announced school, she said: ‘‘The path from dreams to agers of this important legislation, that the Space Shuttle Columbia had gone success does exist; may you have the vision commending the 1-year anniversary of down. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the to find it, the courage to get onto it and the this tragic event that occurred to these families and friends of the astronauts we lost. perseverance to follow it. Wishing you a great seven astronauts that represented our One year later, we remember and honor Co- journey.’’ Nation. I was privileged to be a mem- lumbia’s crew whose lives were precious to all ber of the congressional delegation As we stop to remember and reflect upon Americans. the life of Dr. Kalpana Chawla and her fellow that personally visited Texas last year As part of the positive legacy emanating when we conducted a very special serv- crew members of Columbia, we must assure from the Columbia space shuttle disaster, I ourselves that their lives were not lost in vain. ice on behalf of these great Americans. want to take this opportunity to commend I think if there is anything that I can We must continue the mission to explore three Dorsey High School Students from my remember well on this special service space and to educate the underprivileged Congressional District—Atiabet Ijan Amabel, that was held last year was the fact of about the mission that K.C. and her fellow as- Cristina Mojarro, and Juan Carlos Ortega—for the diversity of these distinguished tronauts embarked upon. participating in the STARS Academy research Americans. I recall one whose ancestry Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are mission which assisted the students, along was from the country of India, and we with the families of all the astronauts as they with their counterparts from China, in formu- had a gentleman also who was a former continue to mourn the loss of these amazing pilot representing the State of Israel, lating and constructing a silk worm experiment heroes. showing the idea that this is not just that was placed aboard the shuttle. Mr. WELDON of . Mr. Speaker, today The STARS Academy is an online cultural an American project. I rise to honor the crew of Columbia. The I think what this sacrifice extends in and scientific global learning program. It incor- names Rick Husband, William McCool, Mi- my understanding, and certainly my porates a standards based curriculum in math, chael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David belief, is how much humanity that science, language arts, geography, and tech- Brown, Laurel Clark and Ilan Ramon will now there was in the efforts and the sac- nology. On the STS–107 mission, schools forever be linked to the risks and rewards of rifices that these great people made from six countries developed life and physical exploring the frontier. They were all extraor- and certainly I would like to extend sciences experiments, while working with as- dinary people. my condolences and appreciation to tronauts, space scientists, engineers, and Rick Husband. A man of strong faith in God. the families of these seven astronauts other experts. For this mission the partici- A man who dreamed of taking part in space who paid the ultimate price, giving of pating schools came from: Australia—Spider travel since his childhood in Amarillo, Texas. A their lives for the betterment of this Experiment; Israel—Crystalline fiber growth; family man, committed to his community. He troubled world that we live in. Japan—Medaka fish growth; USA—Syracuse set the highest of standards for us all. Ants Experiment; Liechtenstein—Carpenter Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield William McCool. A man who personified ex- Bee Experiment; and China & USA—Silk myself such time as I may consume. cellence in all he did. From San Diego, since Worm Experiment. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers the earliest age, he dreamed of flying and fol- at this time. I would just thank the Mr. Speaker, despite the tragic events, this is an historic moment for Dorsey High School lowed his dream with an unending fount of en- gentleman from Texas (Mr. BURGESS) ergy and skill. While gifted, he never showed for the work he has done on H. Res. 507. and its students who participated in the silk- any hubris; in fact, he was always humble— I urge my colleagues to join us in pas- worm experiment. Their projects and dedica- something we all could learn from. sage. tion to science are fitting honors to the astro- Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, on nauts who lost their lives and an inspiration to Michael Anderson. From Pittsburgh, he had February 1, 2003, the tragic accident of the all future space explorers. a drive uncommon to most people. He loved Space Shuttle Columbia took the lives of Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ex- science and learning. He followed his passion seven of our finest Americans. One year later, press my sorrow for the crew and family mem- for science. This led him to NASA and space this sad event remains fresh in our minds, and bers of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. flight. He knew his responsibility as an astro- we continue to share in the sorrow of those While Sunday marked the one year anniver- naut and took every opportunity to talk to who lost their loved ones and family members sary of the space shuttle tragedy, the memory schoolchildren about the excitement and value that terrible day. and dedication of the Columbia crew must of space exploration. Among the brave astronauts aboard the Co- never be forgotten. The seven astronauts Kalpana Chawla. She lived a uniquely lumbia was Dr. Laurel Clark of Racine, Wis- aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia—six American life. Born and raised in India, she consin. All of those who knew Laurel were American and one Israeli—exemplified the came to America as an immigrant. She touched by her extraordinary life and are still courage and commitment that have been the worked hard and studied engineering and coping with the pain that her absence has hallmark of America’s space program for dec- science. She became an American citizen and caused. It is very difficult to lose a mother, a ades. Their efforts to better understand the from there became an astronaut. She made wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend, and our heavens and advance the cause of scientific her home nation and her adopted nation proud thoughts should be with Laurel’s family and discovery added greatly to our society and our of her in all that she did. loved ones s they continue to honor her mem- Nation’s vision for the future. David Brown. Truly a man for all seasons. ory. I am especially saddened by the loss of He was a physician, a Navy pilot, and member Although Laurel Clark lived only 41 years on Flight Engineer and Mission Specialist Dr. of the astronaut corp. Everything he set out to this earth, she was accomplished as a doctor, Kalpana Chawla. K.C., as she was known by do, he accomplished. He had many other a scientist and a mother. She poured her en- her friends and coworkers, received her mas- goals he was anxious to accomplish after this ergy into her many pursuits and showed us ter’s of aerospace engineering degree from mission was completed. that with focus, passion and dedication, it is the University of Texas at Arlington in my Laurel Clark. A wife. A mother. A physician. possible to achieve your dreams. Laurel also Congressional District. An astronaut. She was aware of what a spe- never forgot the importance of family, and it is A native of India, K.C. was the first woman cial honor it was to be selected to fly in space. impossible to quantify the joy that she brought from her country to enter space. Selected She was thankful for the special opportunity to those closest to her. amongst thousands of applicants by NASA in that she had. She lived life to the fullest. She Unwavering in her efforts to improve the 1994, she never forgot her time in Arlington or enjoyed scuba diving and flying airplanes. Ev- world, Laurel began with those around her. In her Indian roots. In fact, among some of the erything she did, she loved.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:35 Feb 04, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K03FE7.023 H03PT1 February 3, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H263 Ilan Ramon. The first Israeli in space. A I also extend my prayers and thoughts to his those present have voted in the affirm- dedicated and brave pilot. The son of Holo- parents, Barry and Audrey McCool, and to his ative. caust survivor. He is an inspiration to a small, father and mother-in-law, Albert and Atilana Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, on that determined nation. Vallejos, of Dededo, Guam. I demand the yeas and nays. Commander Husband, on the evening be- My first bill in Congress was H.R. 672, The yeas and nays were ordered. fore they launched, shared with his crew and which renamed the Guam South Elementary/ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- their families, his favorite passage from the Middle School of the Department of Defense ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the book of Joshua. This is instructive for all of us Domestic Dependents Elementary and Sec- Chair’s prior announcement, further as we reflect on this tragedy: ‘‘Be strong and ondary Schools System in honor of Com- proceedings on this motion will be courageous, because you will lead these peo- mander McCool. President Bush signed this postponed. ple to inherit the land I swore to their fore- bill into law on April 22, 2003 and on August f fathers to give them. Be strong and very cou- 29, 2003 the school was dedicated in his CORRECTING TECHNICAL ERRORS rageous. Be careful to obey all the law my honor during an emotional ceremony attended IN ENROLLMENT OF S. 610, NASA servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to by family, military officials, government dig- FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2003. the right or to the left, that you may be suc- nitaries and fellow astronauts cessful wherever you go. Do not let this Book and . At this ceremony, Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I offer a of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate Guam Governor Felix Camacho posthumously concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 354) on it day and night, so that you may be careful bestowed upon Commander McCool the An- to correct technical errors in the en- to do everything written in it. Then you will be cient Order of the Chamorri, the highest award rollment of the bill S. 610, and ask prosperous and successful. Have I not com- given on behalf of the people of Guam in rec- unanimous consent for its immediate manded you? Be strong and courageous. Do ognition of substantial contributions to the bet- consideration. The Clerk read the title of the con- not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the terment of society. Commander McCool’s bea- current resolution. Lord your God will be with you wherever you con of light will continue to shine and inspire The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there go.’’ young and old alike to look towards the stars objection to the request of the gen- That is where we are as a nation right now. and dream big dreams. tleman from Texas? We live in a dangerous world with many chal- Commander McCool blessed our island and There was no objection. lenges facing us. The measure of a truly great indeed our country with his passion, intellect, The Clerk read the concurrent reso- nation is one that can face down its chal- and purpose. The people of Guam are proud lution, as follows: lenges on earth and excell and lead the world to call him one of our own and will always re- H. CON. RES. 354 to a higher level. member him as a role model for our children. That is why we have NASA and why we Resolved by the House of Representatives (the The inspiration Commander McCool has been Senate concurring), That, in the enrollment of must recommit ourselves, now more than to our people is something that will not fade the bill (S. 610) to amend the provision of ever, to the dream and adventure of human and that can never be taken away. This past title 5, United States Code, to provide for space flight that was such a part of the lives weekend the people of Guam gathered in the workforce flexibilities and certain Federal of these brave men and women. Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in personnel provisions relating to the National How we decided to respond to this tragedy our capital city of Hagaûtn˜a to pay tribute to Aeronautics and Space Administration, and will be judged very closely by many genera- Commander McCool and the Columbia crew, for other purposes, the Secretary of the Sen- tions that come after us. I am proud to say ate shall make the following corrections: to recall their accomplishments, and to pray (1) Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘An Act that the President has risen to the occasion for their families. and has charted a bold new exploration initia- to amend the provisions of title 5, United In remembering Commander McCool I am States Code, to provide for workforce flexi- tive. We cannot let future generations down always touched by a poem he wrote while at- bilities and certain Federal personnel provi- and walk away from our destiny in space. The tending Dededo Middle School in Guam. sions relating to the National Aeronautics Columbia 7 will be memorialized by a great, Reading the poem today, it has an eerie qual- and Space Administration, and for other pur- strong, robust return to space by America. ity that shows not only his love of Guam, but poses.’’. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today a glimpse into his future career as an astro- (2) In section 1, strike ‘‘2003’’ and insert to join my colleagues and our Nation in re- naut: ‘‘2004’’. (3) In section 3(b), strike ‘‘by adding at the membering the Columbia space shuttle trag- I came to an island in the middle of the sea, edy of one year ago. The people of Guam join end’’ and insert ‘‘by inserting after the item It was so nice that I jumped for glee. relating to chapter 97’’. their fellow Americans today in remembrance, There are palm trees, coconuts, and bananas prayer, and tribute for the crew of STS–107 too, The concurrent resolution was agreed and all that they stood for and represented in Plus birds and fish so unbelievable but true. to. A motion to reconsider was laid on their careers and lives. It is so nice that no one can complain. Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana But he who does must be insane. the table. Chawla, Laurel Clark, Rick Husband, Willie This is such a nice and beautiful place, f McCool, and Ilan Ramon were many different You’d think it was heaven—or outer space. EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE RE- things to many different people. They were He signed this poem, ‘‘William ‘Willie’ GARDING PRISONERS OF CON- mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, McCool, Dededo beep! beep! Roadrunner,’’ SCIENCE BY CHINESE GOVERN- daughters and sons, teachers and friends. referring to his school’s mascot. MENT FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT There is one thing, however, that unites them Let us always remember Willie’s devotion to IN EFFORTS TO END CHINESE all. They are all heroes in the truest sense of his family, to the people of Guam, to our coun- OCCUPATION OF TIBET the word. Today, we reflect upon their lives try, and to the betterment of the world. I thank Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to and the qualities that they embodied. We draw my colleague, Mr. BURGESS, for offering this suspend the rules and agree to the reso- our strength and resolve from the example resolution today. God Bless the Columbia lution (H. Res. 157) expressing the sense they set and we remain committed to our na- crew and their families. of the House of Representatives regard- tion’s space program in their honor and be- Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield ing several individuals who are being cause of what they have taught us. back the balance of my time. held as prisoners of conscience by the Guam remembers today Commander Willie Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chinese Government for their involve- McCool, who piloted the Columbia on that the gentleman from Texas, and I yield ment in efforts to end the Chinese oc- fateful day one year ago. Commander McCool back the balance of my time. cupation of Tibet. lived in Guam while his father served as a The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. SIM- The Clerk read as follows: Navy pilot and attended Dededo Middle MONS). The question is on the motion H. RES. 157 School and John F. Kennedy High School. He offered by the gentleman from Texas Whereas for more than 1,000 years Tibet later married Lani Vallejos of Dededo, Guam. (Mr. BURGESS) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, has maintained a sovereign national identity While America lost a hero, Guam lost a son in that is distinct from the national identity of the aftermath of the Columbia tragedy. Today H. Res. 507. China; I extend my prayers and thoughts to his wife The question was taken. Whereas armed forces of the People’s Re- Lani, their children, Sean, Christopher, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the public of China invaded Tibet in 1949 and 1950 Cameron, and their extended family in Guam. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of and have occupied it since then;

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