[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 448 Received in Senate (RDS)]


109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 448


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 21, 2006

                                Received

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
  Commending the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the 
   completion of the Space Shuttle's second Return-to-Flight mission.

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.

            Passed the House of Representatives July 20, 2006.

            Attest:

                                                 KAREN L. HAAS,

                                                                 Clerk.