[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 148 (Friday, October 16, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, TO AMERICA'S SPACE 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 16, 1998

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a bittersweet moment in the 
history of the City of Downey in the 38th Congressional District of 
California. In ceremonies the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration turned over to the City a 68-acre parcel of land that 
has been home to vital parts of our space programs for decades.
  For Downey Mayor Gary McCaughan, other members of the City Council 
and all of us who know the long history of Downey with the American 
space program, this ceremony marks the end of one era and the opening 
of another. The buildings and shops at Downey produced the marvelous 
machines that took America to the moon and that still carry our 
astronauts into space to this day.
  Over the span of the past 70 years, Downey has been the heart of our 
long national commitment to aviation, the exploration of space, and the 
advancement of our understanding of both the universe around us and the 
earth beneath us. Downey's contributions in excellent design, careful 
engineering, and extraordinary production skills were critical 
ingredients in the success of the Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle 
programs.
  Now, NASA and The Boeing Company (which has operated the facility 
since buying it as part of the Rockwell Space Systems Division) will 
phase out of operations in Downey by the end of next year. The city has 
begun to move forward to meet the new challenges that lie ahead. 
Today's ceremony is an important part of this transition as NASA and 
the General Services Administration turn over 68 acres of federal land 
to the city for redevelopment so that Downey can create new jobs and 
new industries for the future.
  Mr. Speaker, many people worked very hard to make today's ceremony 
possible. I want to thank Senator Feinstein, in particular who provided 
unbelievable help in getting the Senate to agree to this land transfer. 
My friend and colleague, Congressman Jerry Lewis, provided invaluable 
help in the House Appropriations Committee.
  Many people at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and 
the General Services Administration worked with us to make this land 
transfer a reality, and many more at the Boeing Company are making this 
a smooth transition.
  To Mayor McCaughan and other members of the City Council and City 
Manager Jerry Caton, I want to offer both my appreciation and my salute 
for the vision, leadership, and commitment they have demonstrated 
throughout this difficult process. There is no question that the 
phaseout of these high-skill jobs is a loss for Downey and our entire 
region, but I am confident that we can and will create new jobs, new 
products, and new services.
  Our shared goal is not only to recover fully, but to prosper and grow 
with new economic development that will provide opportunities for 
generations to come. I remain committed to doing all I can do to help 
Downey succeed in the years ahead as the city redevelops this property. 
I also will do all I can to expedite transfer of the remaining land.
  The key to Downey's future--as with the successes we honor from its 
past--is rooted in the vision and vigor of this wonderful community. On 
that score, we have much to celebrate and every reason to look forward 
with confidence.

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