[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHINESE

  Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam President, there is at this moment in 
orbit the first Chinese astronaut. Their successful launch of a piloted 
spacecraft marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of human 
exploration of space. Just the third nation to accomplish such a feat, 
I am happy on behalf of the Senate to welcome China into an elite group 
of nations that can independently send humans to explore the heavens.
  The United States and Russia established manned space programs 
decades ago and are pleased to have a new ally--we hope a new ally--in 
the quest to explore space.
  China's program will provide additional resources, I hope fresh 
ideas, and renewed enthusiasm for space exploration. My hope is that 
China will become a partner in our ongoing international efforts, such 
as the International Space Station, to make technological advances and 
to help solve mysteries of outer space.
  As China undertook its first such mission, my thoughts were with the 
first taikonaut who is the sole space flyer on Shenzhou 5. Americans 
know all too well the potential risk of space flight, and we commend 
this astronaut's courage.
  Americans also know that the benefits of space exploration outweigh 
the risks. We expect that the Chinese will reap rewards that space 
missions offer--to learn and to explore, to advance technology, and to 
uplift the human spirit.
  Now that China has opened a new chapter in human space flight 
history, it is fitting that America refocus our own goals on 
exploration. Now is the time to renew our commitment to space 
exploration with a vision that will capture the imagination and the 
support of the people on planet Earth.
  Congratulations to the Chinese. We look forward to a successful 
return, as he reenters, starting about 5 o'clock, as that reentry falls 
through space for about 30 minutes, and then as he starts encountering 
the upper atmosphere about 30 minutes from landing, which is a very 
perilous part of the journey, as we have very painfully learned as 
American citizens in the experience we had last February.
  I am very confident our future missions at NASA will be quite 
successful. I again commend Admiral Gehman and his commission for the 
excellent report of the Gehman Commission. I commend NASA and I 
encourage NASA to adopt all of the recommendations of the Gehman 
Commission. We again welcome the Chinese into this select fraternity of 
space-faring nations from planet Earth.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. REID. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. STEVENS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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