[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                                  NASA

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                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, after the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy, 
it is clear that we are now very dependent on the Russian space program 
as the sole means of support for the Space Station until the Shuttle 
fleet returns to service.
  It is certainly conceivable that the Shuttle fleet could be grounded 
for some time--after the Challenger accident in 1986, the Space Shuttle 
fleet was grounded for 32 months.
  While the Columbia investigation is moving forward, there is always a 
possibility that the root cause of the accident may never be determined 
with absolute certainty.
  In the aftermath of the Columbia accident, it may be impossible to 
maintain the Space Shuttle's viability without help from the Russians.
  Payments by NASA to Russia to cover the costs of purchasing 
additional Soyuz and Progress vehicles appear to be prohibited under 
the terms of the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000.
  The Iran Nonproliferation Act provides a narrow exception, allowing 
the President to request a waiver from Congress only to prevent the 
imminent loss of life or grievous injury to individuals aboard the 
International Space Station.
  But I believe the Administration needs even more flexibility under 
the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 to cover the costs of additional 
Soyuz and Progress vehicles at this time.
  Therefore, I am introducing legislation today that amends the Iran 
Nonproliferation Act of 2000 to allow NASA to purchase additional Soyuz 
and Progress vehicles if the President notifies Congress they are 
needed to ensure the safety of the crew aboard the International Space 
Station and to maintain its operational viability while the Space 
Shuttle fleet is grounded.
  The safety of our astronauts should be paramount. NASA should not be 
prevented from doing whatever is necessary to ensure that safety is 
maintained.

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