[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 41 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3747-S3748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. STEVENS (for himself, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Bond,  and Ms. 
        Murkowski):
  S. 628. A bill to require the construction at Arlington National 
Cemetery of a memorial to the crew of the Columbia Orbiter; ordered 
held at the desk.
  Mr. STEVENS. Madam President, on February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle 
Columbia was lost during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. We all mourn 
that tragic loss. But although our hearts have been filled with sorrow, 
we have also taken comfort in the knowledge that there was so much 
about these heroic astronauts for us to be grateful for.
  They were, indeed, remarkable people for they truly represented the 
best of the human spirit. As such, it is only fitting that we endeavor 
to remember them for their outstanding contributions.
  Today, along with Senators Bond and Mikulski, I introduce legislation 
to construct a memorial to the crew of the Columbia  Orbiter at 
Arlington National Cemetery.
  This memorial would be located in close proximity to the memorial to 
the crew of the Challenger Orbiter at Arlington Cemetery and that the 
design

[[Page S3748]]

of the Columbia Memorial is intended to be consistent with the artistic 
sensibilities of the Challenger Memorial.
  This legislation would authorize the Secretary of the Army, in 
consultation with NASA, to place the Columbia Memorial at Arlington and 
would make available $500,000 from funds already appropriated in the 
Fiscal Year 2003 DOD Appropriations Act for the Memorial.
  The bill also authorizes NASA to collect gifts and donations for the 
Columbia Memorial at Arlington Cemetery or for another appropriate 
memorial or monument. This authority to collect donations and gifts 
expires after 5 years.
  We will never forget the wonderful legacy of the Columbia  
astronauts. They have been an inspiration to us all.
  Lastly, I take this opportunity to invite any Senator to join with me 
in cosponsoring this legislation to establish this memorial to these 
outstanding individuals.
  I ask unanimous consent that the bill be held at the desk until the 
close of business Wednesday, March 19, so that such Senators will be 
shown as original cosponsors of this legislation. It is my further hope 
that this bill will be speedily cleared on each side of the aisle so 
that it may be sent to the House next week, if at all possible. I send 
the bill to the desk, Madam President.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill 
will be held at the desk until the close of business, Wednesday, March 
19.
                                 ______