[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 28, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          SUPPORT CONTINUED FUNDING FOR SPACE STATION PROGRAM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
February 11, 1994, and June 10, 1994, the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Sam 
Johnson, is recognized during morning business for 3 minutes.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, this week Congress will be 
voting on space station funding. Are we going to abandon America's 
future, or will we continue a legacy of leading the world into space? 
Does this Congress have the same courage and foresight that our 
predecessors had to bring us the growth, prosperity, prestige, and 
quality of life that Americans now enjoy, unprecedented and unmatched 
anywhere in the world.
  We have a great investment in our space program. We can't just trash 
one of our society's greatest achievements. Achievements in space have 
inspired our children to excellence.
  But now, we are in danger of having an entire generation grow into 
adulthood without turning the dream of stepping out of the bounds of 
Earth's gravity into reality. An entire generation or more; think of 
it.
  We all know the space program's contributions have touched all 
aspects of our modern life. New technologies, new products, new jobs, 
and economic growth have been a direct result of our space program.
  It has contributed to timely and accurate breast cancer detection, 
highly advanced air and water filters, improved engine lubricants, 
lightweight composites, high-technology lasers robotics, and even 
improved shock absorption in athletic shoes.
  Our achievements in space have also contributed to America's stature 
in the world.
  No other nation on earth can even come close to matching our 
accomplishments. And now with strong partners in Russia, Europe, and 
Japan, we have the knowledge, the resources, and the ability to reach 
our next goal in space--completion on the space station.
  Budget cutting is the only argument that space station opponents 
have. I want my colleagues to reach back in time to a previous 
Congress' courage and look to the future in the same manner. And it is 
with that awareness that I urge everyone to make the tough choice, a 
visionary choice like the one made 25 years ago that put American 
astronauts on the Moon.
  It is for our kids; it is for our America.
  It is the right time. It is the right choice, to fully support 
continued funding for the space station program. It is an investment in 
America's future. It is the future of planet Earth.

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