[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 20, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H8120-H8123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING SPACE SHUTTLE COMMANDER EILEEN COLLINS, MISSION SPECIALIST
WENDY LAWRENCE, AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ALL OTHER WOMEN WHO HAVE
WORKED WITH NASA
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res 450) recognizing Space Shuttle Commander Eileen
Collins, Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, and the contributions of
all other women who have worked with NASA following the successful
mission of Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-114, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 450
Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
was created in 1958 under President Eisenhower and has, since
then, accomplished great things in the fields of science,
technology, aeronautics, and aerospace exploration;
Whereas women have worked since the 1960's for the right to
play a vital role in NASA's missions in outer space;
Whereas after more than twenty years of waiting, the first
American woman, Sally Ride, flew in outer space in 1983
aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger;
Whereas in 1984, Kathryn Sullivan became the first American
woman to perform a space walk aboard the Space Shuttle
Challenger during mission STS-41;
Whereas in 1986, Christa McAuliffe, who was to be the first
teacher and civilian in space after being selected from
11,000 applicants, and Mission Specialist Judith Resnick,
were killed aboard the space shuttle Challenger just 73
seconds after lift-off during mission STS-51L;
Whereas in 1992, Mae Jemison became the first African-
American woman to fly in outer space aboard the Space Shuttle
Endeavor during mission STS-47;
Whereas Shannon Lucid previously held the United States
record for the amount of time spent living and working in
space on a single mission aboard the Russian Mir space-
station for over 6 months in 1996;
Whereas in 1999, Eileen Collins became the first woman to
command a space mission when Space Shuttle Columbia deployed
the Chandra X-Ray Observatory;
Whereas in 2003, Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla and
Laurel Clark were killed aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on
reentry during mission STS-107;
Whereas we celebrate America's Return to Flight with Space
Shuttle Discovery's STS-114 mission, which Eileen Collins
commanded and on which Wendy Lawrence served as Mission
Specialist; and
Whereas great strides have been made in the Space Shuttle
and International Space Station era to increase the number
and prominence of women serving in the NASA Astronaut Corp,
thereby giving us hope for the future of American women in
space, including Ellen Baker, Yvonne Cagle, Tracy Caldwell,
Kalpana Chawla, Laurel B. Clark, Mary Cleave, Catherine
Coleman, Eileen Collins, Nancy J. Currie, Jan Davis, Bonnie
Dunbar, Anna Fisher, Linda Godwin, Susan J. Helms, Joan
Higginbotham, Kathryn Hire, Marsha Ivins, Mae C. Jemison,
Tamara E. Jernigan, Janet Kavandi, Susan L. Kilrain, Wendy
Lawrence, Shannon Lucid, Sandra Magnus, Megan McArthur,
Pamela Melroy, Barbara Morgan, Lisa Nowak, Karen Nyberg,
Ellen Ochoa, Judith A. Resnik, Sally K. Ride, Patricia C.
Hilliard Robertson, Margaret Rhea Seddon, Heidemarie
Sefanyshyn-Piper, Nicole Scott, Kathryn C. Thornton, Janice
Voss, Mary E. Weber, Peggy Whitson, Sunita Williams, and
Stephanie Wilson: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes Space Shuttle Commander Eileen Collins,
Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, and the contributions of
all other women who have worked with the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration following the successful mission of
the Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-114; and
(2) celebrates the many achievements of women in the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration and
congratulates Commander Collins and the rest of her crew.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Calvert) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Al Green)
each will control 20 minutes.
=========================== NOTE ===========================
September 20, 2005--On Page H 8120 the following appeared: and
the gentleman from Texas (Mr. GREEN) each will control 20 minutes.
The online version should be corrected to read: and the
gentleman form Texas (Mr. Al GREEN) each will control 20 minutes.
========================= END NOTE =========================
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).
General Leave
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res 450, the resolution
under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs.
Maloney) for her insight into the contributions of women in the NASA
community and to the success of our Nation's civil space program.
House Resolution 450 goes a long way in recognizing the importance of
women to our Nation's civil space program, from Commander Elaine
Collins and Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence of the Discovery mission,
to the other 40 women who have served in NASA's Astronaut Corps.
To all of the women who offer ground support for the launches, these
women in the sciences, our Nation offers a resounding thanks.
Not all of those women are often in the spotlight, but they still
serve as inspiring role models for all our daughters. What better way
to have our children think they can be whatever they aspire to be than
to have everyone share the opportunity to get a bite of the apple of
success.
[[Page H8121]]
In order for the United States to retain its global competitive edge,
we need the contributions from all of our citizens. Since all advanced
societies now depend on technology for their economic might, the new
measure of that might are those graduates with degrees in science and
engineering.
The United States is slipping in this category. We are producing a
shrinking share of the world's technological talent. China and India
are the newest and strongest competitors. The last time the U.S.
graduated more engineering and scientific Ph.D.s than Europe and three
times as many as Asia was in 1975.
These trends have reversed so now the European Union graduates about
50 percent more Ph.D.s than the United States, and Asia is slightly
ahead of the United States.
At the current rate, China will probably overtake us by 2010. They
have already produced nearly as many engineering graduates in a month
as we do in a year. Outstanding role models inspire our young ladies to
pursue a life of study and work in science and engineering.
Seeing these women doing exciting important jobs in our space program
is the best way that I know to encourage our children to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank again the gentlewoman from New
York (Mrs. Maloney) for her thoughtful legislation. I plan to support
this important legislation when it comes to a vote and encourage all
Members to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to yield such time
as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).
Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise today to pay
tribute to our female astronauts. These heroines are not only a source
of pride for all Americans, but they have also inspired countless women
to reach for the stars in their own lives and careers.
The space program has long been one of the best examples of America's
leadership role in the world. Our astronauts are daring, brilliant, and
selfless, risking their lives for the sake of scientific discovery. But
like our Nation itself, they were once divided along gender lines.
Indeed, when NASA was created by President Eisenhower in 1958, there
were no female astronauts. Of course, there were no women on the
Supreme Court back then, and in Congress there was just one female
Senator, and only 15 women serving in Congress.
Mr. Speaker, we have come a long way in the last four decades. There
are now 14 women Senators, 66 female Members of Congress, and at NASA
women are not just along for the ride, they have assumed leadership
roles in both the agency and on its missions, as we have seen by this
fine work of Eileen Collins and Wendy Lawrence.
I am especially delighted today to recognize the achievements of my
fellow New Yorker, Eileen Collins from Elmira, New York, who in 1999
became the first woman to command a space shuttle.
In 2003, Ms. Collins again took to the reins of a space mission,
providing steady guidance to the Space Shuttle Discovery during an
incredibly difficult and perilous mission.
Mr. Speaker, women have taken part in some of the greatest NASA
missions, and some of the most heartbreaking too. Some of these women
gave their lives for our country.
As a former teacher, I remember feeling incredibly proud when my
colleague, Christa McAuliffe, was selected from more than 11,000
applicants to become the first civilian in space, the first teacher in
space.
Of course, we were all horrified when the Space Shuttle Challenger
exploded 73 seconds after lift-off, cutting short the lives of Christa
and the other brave astronauts who flew with her.
The loss of the Challenger and, more recently, of the Space Shuttle
Columbia were staggering blows to our country. But I know that our
space program will rebound from these disasters, as it always has, with
a new sense of purpose, stronger and more determined than ever.
I also know that as we rebuild, American women will be leading the
way, inspired by the sense of duty to our country and by the women who
have come before them. Women like Sally Ride, the first woman in space;
Kathryn Sullivan, the first American woman to perform a space walk; Mae
Jeminson, the first African American woman astronaut; Shannon Lucid,
who set a U.S. record for the most time living in space.
Thanks to these pioneering women astronauts, the sky is the limit for
women and girls in this final frontier.
Today, we recognize the contribution of all of the women who work to
realize the grand mission of NASA and who continue to contribute today.
Mr. Speaker, today our country faces an increasingly severe shortage
of qualified math, science, and engineering students and professionals
to fill the high-tech jobs of tomorrow.
Women have long been underrepresented in these fields, both in the
workplace and in the classroom. It is essential to our economy, even to
our national security, that we attract the best and the brightest to
these fields.
The number of girls and young women entering math, science, and
engineering is growing and moving in the right direction. And in our
universities and workplaces, we need to cultivate nondiscriminatory
environments to further this momentum.
NASA truly showcases the very best of what women can achieve and can
contribute, and the fact that they can contribute equally. May the
women pioneers we honor today inspire not only the astronauts, but the
scientists, mathematicians, and engineers of tomorrow. I thank them for
their wonderful contributions. I congratulate the entire team.
Mr. Speaker, I submit for printing in the Record the names of 29
current and 13 deceased or former female NASA astronauts.
Ellen Baker, Yvonne Cagle, Tracy Caldwell, Kalpana Chawla,
Laurel B. Clark, Mary Cleave, Catherine Coleman, Eileen
Collins, Nancy J. Currie, Jan Davis, Bonnie Dunbar, Anna
Fisher, Linda Godwin, Susan J. Helms, Joan Higginbotham,
Kathryn Hire, Marsha Ivins, Mae C. Jemison, Tamara E.
Jernigan, Janet Kavandi, Susan L. Kilrain.
Wendy Lawrence, Shannon Lucid, Sandra Magnus, Megan
McArthur, Pamela Melroy, Barbara Morgan, Lisa Nowak, Karen
Nyberg, Ellen Ochoa, Judith A. Resnik, Sally K. Ride,
Patricia C. Hilliard Robertson, Margaret Rhea Seddon,
Heidemarie Sefanyshyn-Piper, Nicole Scott, Kathryn C.
Thornton, Janice Voss, Mary E. Weber, Peggy Whitson, Sunita
Williams, and Stephanie Wilson.
{time} 1600
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Ohio (Mrs. Schmidt).
(Mrs. SCHMIDT asked and was given permission to revise and extend her
remarks.)
Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time. I rise in favor of House Resolution 450, recognizing Shuttle
Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, who are
an inspiration to women everywhere. They serve as role models to young
women and have succeeded in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Their success is due in part to the hard work of trailblazing women
who came before them. Elizabeth Blackwell, who was a resident of my
native Cincinnati and the first American female medical doctor, once
said: ``For what is done or learned by one class of women becomes, by
virtue of their common womanhood, the property of all women.''
When we think of great women astronauts, we must remember two from
the Buckeye State.
The first is Judith Resnick. She was born in Akron, graduated from
Firestone High School, and earned her doctorate in electrical
engineering before joining NASA. Judith died tragically aboard Space
Shuttle Challenger.
The second is Nancy J. Currie of Troy, Ohio, who graduated from Troy
High School, earned a degree in biological science from Ohio State
University, eventually earning a doctorate in engineering. She flew
four successful missions between 1993 and 2002, and in 2003 Dr. Currie
was selected to lead the Space Shuttle Program Safety and Mission
Assurance Office.
These women are outstanding in their field, outstanding by virtue of
what they have accomplished, not because they are women. They succeeded
in fields traditionally dominated by men and inspired young girls
around the country to succeed in their footsteps. It is for these
future female leaders that we must continue to push the
[[Page H8122]]
envelope and recognize those who came before them.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.
Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 450, a
resolution to honor the women of NASA for their hard work and
dedication. In 360 B.C., the great philosopher Plato bemoaned that
``nothing can be more absurd than the practice that prevails in our
country of men and women not following the same pursuits with all their
strengths and with one mind, for thus, the state instead of being whole
is reduced to half.''
It has been more than 2,000 years since Plato made this simple,
commonsense observation. It has not been easy; but in the intervening
centuries, women have proven time and time again that they can excel in
any field they choose. Along the way, there have been many
trailblazers: Barbara Jordan, the stateswoman; Marie Curie, the
scientist; Amelia Earhart, the pilot; Dr. Antonia Novello, the first
woman and the first Hispanic Surgeon General.
Today, we honor some new additions to this august list, the talented
women of NASA's astronaut core. Commander Collins and Mission
Specialist Lawrence performed flawlessly on their latest mission aboard
Space Shuttle Discovery.
They are but the latest examples of a long tradition of excellence
among our female astronauts that stretches back over two decades to
Sally Ride's historic mission as the first American female astronaut.
These astronauts stand as inspirations to young women, not only in
this country but around the globe, who look at them and understand that
no dream is out of reach because they realize that they too can do what
others have done.
They should be very proud of their accomplishments.
Of course, in praising the astronauts, we should not neglect the
contributions of other women of NASA: the scientists, the engineers,
the program managers, and all of the others who contribute to our space
program.
All of these talented women are trailblazers in their own right. I
commend them for their hard work and the excellent example they set.
I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York, not only for her
initiative in introducing this most thoughtful resolution but also for
helping make real Plato's ideal of equality of opportunity for all.
I think it is a great resolution, and I urge its adoption.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of
all women who have worked with NASA in preparing to launch the Space
Shuttle Discovery.
Women have made great strides in the space and aeronautics industry.
The first African American woman in space was my good friend Dr. Mae
Jemison. She served as the science mission specialist on STS-47
Spacelab-J in 1992.
In 1999, Mr. Speaker, we had another first: Eileen M. Collins was the
first female commander of the space shuttle. Collins and her crew
launched aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in July of 1999.
My State of Texas has a strong focus in space and aeronautics as the
home of the Johnson Space Center. I am especially proud of all the
women who have made significant contributions to the space flight, and
I honor their courage. Dr. Mary Ann Webber is another astronaut, who is
now employed in my district at the University of Texas Southwest
Medical School and working and encouraging young ladies now to think of
a career of that sort.
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Boehlert).
(Mr. BOEHLERT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, what a pleasure it is to come to the
floor, as I just left Colonel Eileen Collins and Wendy Lawrence and the
rest of the STS-114 crew; and they are an inspiration to all of us, not
just those of us in this Chamber but to people around the world.
I stand today in support of the resolution offered by my colleague
and good friend from the great State of New York (Mrs. Maloney).
This resolution recognizes the valuable contributions that women have
made at NASA and particularly praises those who played a role in the
success of STS-114. The accomplishments of the STS crew are the result
of a rich history of women in NASA. Long before STS-114 women like
Sally Ride, the first American woman in space; Kathryn Sullivan, the
first American woman to perform a space walk; Mae Jemison, the first
African American in space; and Shannon Lucid, the previous American
record holder for the length of time spent in space on a single
mission, they pushed the boundaries of human space flight.
Women have also paid a dear price in the name of human space flight.
Christa McAuliffe, Judith Resnick, Kalpana Chawla, and Laurel Clark
will always be remembered for their courage and heroism. And Eileen
Collins and Wendy Lawrence and the rest of STS-114 crew stand on the
shoulders of those great women who came before them, and this
resolution rightly recognizes that fact.
Once again, I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for
introducing this important resolution, and I commend all of my
colleagues for paying attention on the floor today to something that is
really important, not just to today, but for generations to come.
Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the
distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished
gentleman for his support and advocation for NASA and its work. I thank
the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Boehlert); and of course the ranking member, the gentleman from
Tennessee (Mr. Gordon), for their leadership, along with the gentleman
from California (Mr. Calvert), chairman of our subcommittee; and of
course the ranking member, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall).
I am especially appreciative that we would come today to acknowledge
not only the leadership of women but also NASA's contributions to
America. So I rise to speak as well to H. Res. 441 and H. Res. 446. I
thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), who has been
steadfast in reminding us of the importance of the involvement and the
empowerment of women.
Is it not exciting that we can rise today as the Discovery crew comes
to the United States Capitol to be able to acknowledge that Colonel
Eileen Collins was, in fact, the commander of this particular
outstanding effort to return United States to space.
One would wonder with Hurricane Katrina behind us and Hurricane Rita
in front of us why we can stand before our colleagues to acknowledge
the outstanding contributions of women to the safety and the
advancement of humankind and Americans and as well that of NASA. And I
say this: NASA equates to science and scientific discovery and
advancement, and I am very proud to say that our lives have been made
better by the contributions that NASA has made to society.
We were told early on that the use of NASA technology could have
predicted or maybe not predicted, foreseen, detected the tsunami. We
know now that we have seen the constant repetitiveness of hurricanes
that NASA will be a very strong partner in determining how we can
better detect the coming of hurricanes and be more safe.
So it is with great pride that I rise to thank Sally Ride, a neighbor
in our community in Houston; Kathryn Sullivan; Christa McAuliffe, who
lost her life in the earlier Challenger flight; and Judith Resnick; Mae
Jemison, of course, who served as a role model for many, many young
girls; Shannon Lucid; and of course Kalpana Chawla and Laurel Clark,
who lost their lives in Columbia in the 2003 mission.
But today we have a lot to celebrate because Eileen Collins and Wendy
Lawrence were part of that great Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-114. With
their leadership, we return to space; and I believe we return to the
opportunities that space allows.
I am always reminded, whenever we have the opportunity to salute what
[[Page H8123]]
NASA does, to say that the research has generated successes in
detection and cure of strokes, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, cancer. So we
know that NASA is part of our society, and it has the ability to
enhance our society.
My congratulations to the Discovery crew, to the many women we honor
today, such as Ellen Baker, Yvonne Cagle, Tracy Caldwell, Bonnie
Dunbar, Anna Fisher, Marsha Ivins, Susan L. Kilrain, Wendy Lawrence,
Ellen Ochoa, Judith A. Resnick who has passed of course, Sally K. Ride,
Nicole Scott, and many, many others.
It is for us to carry forth their dream by providing the support from
the United States Congress but, more important, it is to announce that
these women are leaders but also that NASA has laid the groundwork for
this society and all around the world to be advanced to a better
quality of life.
My salute to NASA and to the fellow employees and as well to the
leaders, women, who have taken us into space.
I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H. Res 450 which congratulates
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Discovery
crew. Let me offer my own personal congratulations to this brave crew
who returned NASA to flight and made history in our Nation through the
advancement of aeronautics.
Being from the City of Houston, which is home to the Johnson Space
Center, I take great pride in the accomplishments of NASA. I am proud
to say that I was among the Congressional Delegation that was at Cape
Canaveral for the anticipated launch. While the correct decision was
made not to launch that day, this brave crew was able to successfully
complete its mission. The launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery came
more than 2 years after the tragic Columbia shuttle accident. The crew
of the Discovery included astronauts Steve Robinson, Jim Kelly, Andy
Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, Charlie Camarda, Eileen Collins and Soichi
Noguchi. With implementation of the Columbia Accident Investigation
Board recommendations completed, this crew of seven astronauts flew
aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-114 to test new safety
techniques and deliver needed supplies to the International Space
Station. Two crewmembers, Steve Robinson and Soichi Noguchi, ventured
outside the Shuttle three times on spacewalks. The first demonstrated
repair techniques on the Shuttle's protective tiles, known as the
Thermal Protection System. During the second spacewalk, they replaced a
failed Control Moment Gyroscope, which helps keep the station oriented
properly. Finally, they installed the External Stowage Platform, a sort
of space shelf for holding spare parts during Station construction.
STS-114 will also be the third trip of the Multi Purpose Logistics
Module (MPLM) named Raffaello to the Station. It's essentially a
``moving van'' that transports supplies to the orbital outpost.
I have consistently stated that since the Columbia shuttle accident,
safety must be our number one priority. All Americans can look proudly
upon the achievements of our space exploration when they look upon the
crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Truly, we as a Nation have come a long way in the area of space
exploration since President John F. Kennedy set the course for our
Nation when he stated in a speech at Rice University in 1962: ``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. For space science, like nuclear science and technology, has
no conscience of its own. Whether it will become a force for good or
ill depends on man, and only if the United States occupies a position
of preeminence can we help decide whether this new ocean will be a sea
of peace or a new terrifying theater of war . . . The great British
explorer George Mallory, who was to die on Mount Everest, was asked why
did he want to climb it. He said because it is there. Well, space is
there, and we're going to climb it. And the moon and the planets are
there. And new hopes for knowledge and peace are there. And therefore,
as we set sail, we ask God's blessing, on the most hazardous, and
dangerous, and greatest adventure, on which man has ever embarked.''
Our Nation has seen great tragedy and yet we continue to move forward
because that is the only path that knowledge will accept; truly it is
appropriate that this shuttle was named Discovery.
Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 450, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was
agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________