[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2175-E2176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE DEDICATED STAFF OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON SPACE AND 
                   AERONAUTICS FOR THE 109TH CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a 
group of patriots whose dedication and contributions to the United 
States space community has been exceptional. For the past 2 years I 
have served as the Chairman of the Science Subcommittee on Space and 
Aeronautics and have had the honor to work with a staff comprised of 
some of the best and brightest in the fields of space and earth 
science, aeronautics and space exploration.
  In the 2 years that I've been Chairman, the staff has worked 
diligently to implement the President's Vision for Space Exploration, 
maintain robust science and aeronautics programs and open opportunities 
for the private sector and space entrepreneurs. In short, they have 
tried to give America's space-farers the ``Rules and Tools'' to succeed 
in the Second Space Age. Last year, the President signed into law the 
first NASA Authorization Act in 5 years. Anyone can tell you how 
difficult it is to draft legislation that must balance the many needs 
of the Agency's various stakeholders while keeping the original Vision 
intact. The majority subcommittee staff worked tirelessly to secure 
passage and I commend their hard work and dedication. It certainly has 
paid off--NASA is charging full speed ahead with the Vision for Space 
Exploration and a commitment to ten healthy centers.
  The subcommittee completed several resolutions commending successful 
shuttle launches and their crews; conducted hearings on a wide range of 
topics including ``The Future of Aeronautics at NASA,'' ``Future Market 
for Commercial Space,'' and ``The NASA Workforce''; and conducted 
several legislative mark-up hearings on other relevant bills. The 
subcommittee even conducted the first hearing in Congressional history 
with a witness testifying from space when NASA astronaut John Phillips, 
a member of the crew aboard the International Space Station in June 
2005, participated via satellite. The efforts of the subcommittee staff 
also enabled me to visit all of NASA's Centers, including the Jet 
Propulsion Laboratory and the Applied Physics Laboratory, during the 
109th Congress. None of this would have been possible without the 
intelligence and perseverance of the staff.
  At this time I would like to recognize the individuals responsible 
for the subcommittee's many accomplishments:
  Bill Adkins, former Staff Director. Bill was a thoughtful advisor and 
an influential force in the passage of the NASA Authorization Act 
during the 18 months we worked together.
  Johannes Loschnigg, current Staff Director. Johannes has done a 
terrific job and has offered solid leadership to the subcommittee.
  Ed Feddeman, Professional Staff. Ed is the resident expert on 
aeronautics and space science. I have appreciated his depth of

[[Page E2176]]

knowledge on these issues and his expertise during several NASA Center 
visits.
  Ken Monroe, Professional Staff. Ken is the subject matter expert on 
the space shuttle program and financial management at the Agency. His 
first-hand experience, and strong attention to detail has been a true 
asset during the last 2 years.
  Tind ``Shep'' Ryen, Professional Staff. Shep is the go-to-guy on the 
space exploration agenda being implemented by NASA, including the 
Constellation Systems program, NASA Workforce and Commercial Space 
issues. As one of the more recent additions to the staff, Shep has not 
wavered from delving deeply into his work and has exercised excellent 
oversight over these exciting new programs.
  Tom Hammond, Professional Staff. Tom handles a long list of issues 
including the International Space Station, Earth Science, Remote 
Sensing, and International and National security programs. I appreciate 
Tom's dedication and know he will continue to excel in all his future 
endeavors.
  Devin Bryant, Staff Assistant. Devin is the support system to all of 
the staff and has done an incredible job. As a fellow Californian, I 
appreciate his enthusiasm for America's space program as it reminds me 
of the ripple effect of NASA's achievements--inspiring the next 
generation of explorers.
  Roselee Roberts, Chairman's Designee/Professional Staff. Roselee has 
been a tremendous asset to my chairmanship and the subcommittee. It was 
an honor to designate her as my representative. It has been a pleasure 
to work with her these past 2 years. She has been a trusted confidant 
to me and my staff and I appreciate her dedication and loyalty. She 
will always be a part of the Calvert team.
  I would be remiss if I did not also mention my deep gratitude to 
David Goldston, Chief of Staff of the Science Committee. David 
impressed me with his intelligence, tireless work ethic, and his love 
of science policy. During the past 2 years we have shared some great 
conversations and debates and I believe I have been a better Chairman 
for them. I appreciate the tremendous support and expertise he has 
provided me and my staff during my Chairmanship.
  To all of the subcommittee staff, I would like to express my deepest 
gratitude for your hard work, diligence, passion, and service. I salute 
your dedication and wish you all the best of luck.

                          ____________________