[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E208]
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''

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                               speech of

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, today I join my many colleagues in mourning 
the loss of the seven courageous men and women on board the space 
shuttle Columbia. This is indeed a tragic loss, for the families of 
these seven astronauts, and for our Nation. These men and women 
committed their lives to the pursuit of knowledge and, in that pursuit, 
they made the ultimate sacrifice. For their courage and self-sacrifice 
they will be forever remembered as heroes.
  While the Columbia tragedy demonstrated the risks involved in manned 
space travel, it also reminds us that NASA has had an excellent 
performance record over the past four decades. The courageous and 
talented men and women of NASA have made discoveries in space that have 
profoundly improved our lives on earth. Our exploration of space, our 
pursuit of knowledge must go on. As the families of the Columbia seven 
have stated, we cannot look back, we must press forward with our 
exploration of new territories.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be here today, remembering these fallen 
heroes. I am grateful for the resolve of our astronauts, our President, 
and Americans everywhere to remember the past while looking to the 
future. I urge my colleagues to unequivocally support this resolution.

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