[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 38 (Tuesday, March 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E476-E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COLUMBIA SPACE SHUTTLE MEMORIAL STUDY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2007

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H.R. 807, the ``Columbia Space Shuttle Memorial Study Act,'' which 
directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource 
study to determine the feasibility and suitability of establishing a 
memorial to the Space Shuttle Columbia in the State of Texas and for 
its inclusion as a unit of the National Park System.
  Mr. Speaker, I support this bill because the seven astronauts whose 
lives were lost aboard Space Shuttle Columbia were extraordinary 
people. To the world those astronauts were valiant heroes; to us in 
Texas they were also friends, neighbors, and family.
  They made the ultimate sacrifice on a mission that benefited all of 
humanity. They deserve the highest level of honor, and their sacrifice 
and dedication must be commemorated

[[Page E477]]

in a way that will serve to inspire the next generation of explorers. 
We can never forget this magnificent seven, those heroes who explored 
the heavens: Rick D. Husband; Michael P. Anderson; Laurel Clark; David 
M. Brown; William C. McCool; Kapana Chawla; and Ilan Ramon.
  They were individuals of the highest caliber, always striving for 
excellence, and exemplifying the most noble of human traits. They were 
skilled professionals, scientists, clinicians, adventurers, and family 
men and women. The crew represented the diversity of our nation--black 
and white, men and women, immigrant and native-born, and included a 
comrade from Israel embodying the international goals of peace and 
cooperation.
  The Columbia crew was deeply committed to the NASA mission. NASA 
provides insights into the origins, destiny, and wonder of the universe 
and is a source of dreams for young and old alike. These seven 
courageous explorers paid the ultimate price to advance our 
understanding of the universe, to advance our medical and engineering 
sciences, and to make the nation safer and more secure. Before the 
Columbia started its tragic descent, the shuttle crew completed some 80 
scientific experiments. Much of their research data had already been 
relayed to Houston where it has added to the pool of scientific 
knowledge.
  In the two previous Congresses, I introduced legislation authorizing 
the issuance of Congressional Gold Medals to the crew of Space Shuttle 
Columbia. In fact, 318 joined me in co-sponsoring that legislation but 
the bill was never brought to the floor for a vote.
  I have reintroduced the bill in the 110th Congress (H.R. 266) 
authorizing the coinage of a Gold Medal to pay proper tribute to our 
astronauts. One of the main reasons that the medal is bestowed is to 
make the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished 
achievements and contributions.
  Mr. Speaker, very shortly I will be introducing legislation 
authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to mint a coin commemorating 
the 50th Anniversary of NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For a 
half century, NASA and the JPL have been involved in many defining 
events occurred which have shaped the course of human history and 
demonstrated to the world the character of the people of the United 
States.
  Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 807 and urge my colleagues to do 
likewise. I also invite all members to join me in bringing to a vote on 
the floor H.R. 266 to award Congressional Gold Medals to the crew of 
Space Shuttle Columbia and in supporting legislation to authorize the 
Secretary of the Treasury to mint a coin in commemoration of the 50th 
Anniversary of NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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