[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 448 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]


        H.Con.Res.448
                                         Agreed to July 21, 2006        

                       One Hundred Ninth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
             the third day of January, two thousand and six


                          Concurrent Resolution

Whereas, on July 4, 2006, the National Aeronautics and Space 
  Administration performed a successful launch of the Space Shuttle 
  Discovery;

Whereas this mission, known as STS-121, marks the second Return-to-
  Flight mission;

Whereas the crew of the Discovery consisted of Colonel Steve Lindsey, 
  Commander Mark Kelly, Piers Sellers, Ph.D, Lieutenant Colonel Mike 
  Fossum, Commander Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson, and Thomas Reiter;

Whereas the STS-121 mission tested Space Shuttle safety improvements, 
  building on findings from Discovery's flight last year, including a 
  redesign of the Space Shuttle's External Tank foam insulation, in-
  flight inspection of the shuttle's heat shield, and improved imagery 
  during launch;

Whereas the STS-121 mission re-supplied the International Space Station 
  by delivering more than 28,000 pounds of equipment and supplies, as 
  well as added a third crew member to the International Space Station;

Whereas, due to the overall success of the launch and on-orbit 
  operations, the mission was able to be extended from 12 to 13 days, 
  allowing for an additional space walk to the two originally 
  scheduled;

Whereas the success of the STS-121 mission is a tribute to the skills 
  and dedication of the Space Shuttle crew, the National Aeronautics 
  and Space Administration, and its industrial partners;

Whereas all Americans benefit from the technological advances gained 
  through the Space Shuttle program; and

Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration plays a vital 
  role in sustaining America's preeminence in space: Now, therefore, be 
  it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),  
That it is the sense of Congress that the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration be commended for--
        (1) the successful completion of the Space Shuttle Discovery's 
    STS-121 mission; and
        (2) its pioneering work in space exploration which is 
    strengthening the Nation and benefitting all Americans.
  Attest:

                                 Clerk of the House of Representatives.

  Attest:

                                               Secretary of the Senate.