[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 97 (Friday, July 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1476-E1477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING NASA ON COMPLETION OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE'S SECOND RETURN-TO-
                             FLIGHT MISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. 
Con. Res. 448--Commending the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration on the completion of the Space Shuttle's second Return-
to-Flight mission.
  I can think of no better way to celebrate this great Nation's 
Independence Day than to witness the triumph of science and innovation. 
As a Member of the House Science Committee and the Senior Member of the 
Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, it was a thrill and a joy to see 
Space Shuttle Discovery launch on July 4.
  The Discovery crew finished their 13-day mission, which included a 
docking with the International Space Station, two space walks, but most 
importantly, a keen review of all safety issues.
  We began to focus on the issue of safety when the issues were raised 
by NASA safety engineers just before the launch of Discovery the first 
week of July. I met with NASA Administrator Michael Griffin just before 
the launch, and I am pleased that emphasis and priority has been placed 
on the safety of the astronauts and the space shuttle.
  This was an exciting and positive mission. Over the course of the 5.8 
million mile journey, the STS-121 Mission Crew succeeded in testing 
shuttle safety improvements, repairing a rail car on the International 
Space Station and producing unprecedented images of the shuttle during 
and after its July 4 launch. In addition, the entire mission exhibited 
a new concern with safety to coincide with NASA's exemplary reputation 
for accuracy, precision, and innovation.
  Americans love their space program and it is the first priority of 
NASA and Members of Congress to ensure that it is a viable, continuing, 
and safe program. The survival of the space program has to be premised 
with an understanding of the risk, yet at the same time must embrace 
this new important culture of safety.
  I would like to extend my thanks to STS-121, Commander Steve Lindsey, 
Pilot Mark Kelly, and Mission Specialists Piers Sellers, Stephanie 
Wilson, Lisa Nowak, and Michael Fossum. Your courage and resolve will 
continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.
  Welcome home Discovery.

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