[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 23 (Friday, February 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE TO THE FAMILIES OF THE CREW OF THE 
                       SPACE SHUTTLE ``COLUMBIA''

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, the tragic loss of the Shuttle Columbia is a 
sobering reminder of the risks of space exploration. We mourn the loss 
of the dedicated crew, but are grateful for their courage and 
commitment to exploring new frontiers.
  As we search for answers, we must keep in mind that the U.S. space 
program has had many successes. In little more than a generation, we 
have pursued some of humankind's grandest dreams.
  Space exploration has always been a source of excitement and awe. It 
has allowed us to marshal our Nation's determination, resources and 
tremendous talents--nowhere more so than in Southern California's South 
Bay, which I proudly represent.
  Thousands of scientists, engineers, technicians and others in my 
district have dedicated their lives--first to President Kennedy's goal 
of sending a person to the moon and back--and then to the myriad of 
inhabited-flight, satellite and space exploration programs.
  Having dedicated such talent and ingenuity, my constituents are all 
the more heartbroken when the space program suffers such a shocking and 
sudden loss. Poignant is the fact that one of the astronauts aboard the 
ill-fated Challenger in 1986 was a resident of Hermosa Beach, in my 
district. Such events make the sky a lot darker.
  Shakespeare wrote in ``Romeo and Juliet:''

     When he shall die take him and cut him out into stars
     and he shall make the face of heaven so fine that all
     the world will be in love with night and pay no worship
     to the garish sun.

  The Shuttle Columbia astronauts undoubtedly would have urged us to 
carry on--neither disheartened nor undaunted. To their family, friends 
and space community colleagues, my staff and I extend our heartfelt 
condolences. In the same spirit in which they carried out their 
mission, we rededicate ourselves to the goal of the peaceful 
exploration of space--to the technological and intellectual challenge 
it presents--and to the benefits such adventure brings all human kind.

                          ____________________