[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 366 Received in Senate (RDS)]


109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 366


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 6, 2006

                                Received

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
 To congratulate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on 
 the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the Space Transportation 
System, to honor Commander John Young and the Pilot Robert Crippen, who 
flew Space Shuttle Columbia on April 12-14, 1981, on its first orbital 
     test flight, and to commend the men and women of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration and all those supporting America's 
space program for their accomplishments and their role in inspiring the 
                            American people.

Whereas Space Shuttle Columbia was the first manned, reusable spacecraft that 
        was flown into orbit without benefit of previous unmanned orbital test 
        flights;
Whereas the Space Shuttle Columbia was the first spacecraft to launch with 
        wings, using solid rocket boosters;
Whereas the Space Shuttle Columbia was the first reentry spacecraft to land on a 
        conventional runway;
Whereas the Space Shuttle program has allowed the United States to partner with 
        other nations to build and to inhabit the International Space Station;
Whereas the successful return to flight of the Space Shuttle represents the 
        first leg of the Nation's Vision for Space Exploration;
Whereas the men and women of America's Space Shuttle program have been 
        instrumental in ensuring the Nation's preeminence in space exploration 
        for 25 years;
Whereas the very specialized and highly valued workforce of the Space Shuttle 
        program will contribute greatly to the Vision for Space Exploration as 
        we return to the Moon, and go on to Mars and beyond;
Whereas, like the explorers Lewis and Clark who explored our great Nation, John 
        Young and Robert Crippen opened a new era of human exploration beyond 
        our planet; and
Whereas heroes such as John Young and Robert Crippen are a great inspiration to 
        our next generation of Americans as they stimulate interest in the study 
        of math and science: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) congratulates the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration on the 25th anniversary of the first flight of 
        the Space Transportation System;
            (2) honors Commander John Young and the Pilot Robert 
        Crippen, who flew Space Shuttle Columbia on April 12-14, 1981, 
        on its first orbital test flight; and
            (3) commends the men and women of the National Aeronautics 
        and Space Administration and all those supporting America's 
        space program for their accomplishments and their role in 
        inspiring the American people.

            Passed the House of Representatives April 6, 2006.

            Attest:

                                                 KAREN L. HAAS,

                                                                 Clerk.