[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1605-E1606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 22, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3070) to 
     reauthorize the human space flight, aeronautics, and science 
     programs of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration, and for other purposes:

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3070, the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 
2005.
  To support NASA's mission is to support the fundamental ideals of the 
United States of America: discovery, progress, freedom and imagination. 
President John F. Kennedy said in September of 1962 that ``we set sail 
on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained, and new 
rights to be won, and they must be won and used for the progress of all 
people.'' President Kennedy understood the value of the exploration of 
space and his foresight was correct. Since its inception in 1958, NASA 
has accomplished many great scientific and technological feats, and 
NASA remains a leading force in scientific research to this day.
  Innovations created by our space program have found their way into 
the clothes we wear, the food we eat, our national security, the 
medicines we use, the computers we rely on and in the vehicles that 
transport us. More importantly, NASA's exploration of space has allowed 
us to view Earth and the universe in a new way. While the tremendous 
technical and scientific accomplishments of NASA demonstrate that 
humans can achieve seemingly impossible feats, we also are humbled by 
the realization that Earth is just a tiny speck in the universe.
  I am pleased to know that the Science Committee brought a bill to the 
floor that provides clear policy and funding provisions to ensure that 
NASA remains a multi-mission agency with robust research and 
development activities in science, aeronautics and human

[[Page E1606]]

space flight. In addition, I am happy to know that the House has 
continued its investment in the Hubble Space Telescope which has 
provided inspiration worldwide to young and old, scientists and non-
scientists alike. Hubble is one of the most important astronomical 
instruments in the history of NASA, and has made extraordinary 
contributions to scientific research and the inspiration of our youth. 
Finally, I am grateful that this Authorization includes language that 
will help ensure equal access to NASA education programs for minority 
and under-privileged students. The bill also properly funds the Space 
Grant Program which helps to promote strong science, mathematics and 
technology education from elementary school through graduate school.
  The innovation, discovery and invention that NASA has brought to not 
only the United States, but also to the world is not complete. We must 
continue to explore the bounds of space, demand scientific 
breakthroughs, and enrapture the minds of children. Congress' 
stewardship of NASA allows our Nation to reach for the stars.

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