[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 9, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H6254-H6256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST AMERICAN WOMAN IN SPACE, 
DR. SALLY K. RIDE, AND HONORING HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPACE PROGRAM 
                        AND TO SCIENCE EDUCATION

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1313) celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 
first American woman in space, Dr. Sally K. Ride, and honoring her 
contributions to the space program and to science education.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1313

       Whereas Sally K. Ride of Los Angeles, California, a 
     physicist by training and an accomplished athlete, was 
     selected as a National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     (NASA) astronaut candidate in 1978, as part of the eighth 
     class of NASA astronauts and one of only six women in the 
     class;
       Whereas on June 18, 1983, Dr. Ride was lofted into space 
     aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger as part of the STS-7 
     crew, making her the first American woman in space;
       Whereas the STS-7 crew launched two communications 
     satellites from the Shuttle and accomplished many first steps 
     for the United States space program, including the first 
     release and capture of a satellite using the Shuttle's 
     robotic arm, the first demonstration of a Shuttle's flight in 
     formation with a free-flying satellite, and the first United 
     States-German cooperative material science experiments aboard 
     the Shuttle, as well as the conduct of other science 
     experiments;
       Whereas on October 5, 1984, Dr. Ride made her second 
     spaceflight as a mission specialist on STS 41-G, a mission 
     that demonstrated the ability to refuel satellites in orbit 
     and launched NASA's Earth Radiation Budget Satellite, which 
     spent over 20 years providing valuable scientific data on the 
     Earth's absorption and re-radiation of solar energy;
       Whereas when training for Dr. Ride's third spaceflight 
     assignment ceased after the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle 
     Challenger and her crew in 1986, Dr. Ride was called to serve 
     on the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle 
     Challenger Accident;
       Whereas Dr. Ride has continued to serve the Nation's space 
     program with distinction, authoring the 1987 report, 
     Leadership and America's Future in Space, and serving on the 
     Columbia Accident Investigation Board;
       Whereas, as an educator, author of children's books, and 
     advocate for the next generation of women in science, 
     mathematics, and technology, Dr. Ride's work has contributed 
     to the wellbeing of our youth; and
       Whereas Dr. Ride has worked tirelessly and passionately to 
     encourage young women to follow the sciences, mathematics, 
     and technology by promoting science festivals, camps, and 
     other opportunities through which young women can acquire 
     hands-on learning about science: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) celebrates the 25th anniversary of Dr. Sally K. Ride as 
     the first American woman in space; and
       (2) extends its appreciation and gratitude for Dr. Ride's 
     excellence in service to the Nation as an astronaut, 
     educator, and advocate for the next generation of women 
     scientists and engineers.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Lampson) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H. Res. 1313, the resolution now 
under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I introduced H. Res. 1313 which celebrates the 25th 
anniversary of the first American woman in

[[Page H6255]]

space, Dr. Sally K. Ride. I was pleased that the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Davis), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney), and 
the gentleman from Colorado (Chairman Udall), joined me as original 
cosponsors and I want to thank them for their support. This is a very 
special woman who has done something significant for the United States 
of America and a project which has touched this world.
  On June 18, 1983, Dr. Sally Ride made history with her groundbreaking 
space shuttle flight. However, that has been by no means her only 
accomplishment. Dr. Ride has had a distinguished career of service to 
America as a veteran NASA astronaut and as an unwavering advocate for 
the next generation of women in space, mathematics and engineering.
  She first flew as a member of the STS-7 crew, which achieved several 
firsts for the United States space program, including the first release 
and capture of a satellite using the orbiter's robotic arm and the 
first demonstration of a shuttle flying in formation with a free-flying 
satellite. And she then flew again in 1984.
  She has served the space program in other ways as well. In 1987, she 
wrote the thoughtful report on future directions of the U.S. space 
program, entitled ``Leadership and America's Future in Space.'' And 
when tragedy struck the human space flight program, she served with 
distinction on both the Challenger and Columbia accident investigation 
boards.
  In addition, Dr. Ride has worked tirelessly to encourage young women 
to pursue careers in science, engineering and mathematics through her 
science festivals and camps. She also has sought to engage young people 
through other creative approaches such as the EarthKAM program she 
established to allow middle school students to participate directly in 
the excitement of space exploration. That is one of the programs that 
we have seen dwindle and we hope to have a rekindling of support 
because it is a magnificent one to encourage students to stay involved 
and become involved in math and science and engineering courses.
  As many of you know, I am passionate about the need to get our kids 
interested in math and science, and I think the Nation owes Dr. Ride a 
debt of gratitude for her efforts in that regard.
  So to sum up, Dr. Sally Ride has done much to serve our Nation since 
she rode the shuttle into space 25 years ago. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in saluting her on this 25th anniversary of her first flight.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I am pleased to join Mr. Lampson in cosponsoring House Resolution 
1313 which honors the life and accomplishments of an amazing woman, 
astronaut Dr. Sally K. Ride.
  Sally Ride was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 26, 1951, and 
is perhaps best known as the first American woman in space. She was 
selected for NASA's astronaut program in January 1978, and became a 
mission specialist on the seventh space shuttle mission, which launched 
from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on June 18, 1983. This was the 
second flight of the space shuttle Challenger, and the first mission 
with a five-person crew. During the mission, Dr. Ride operated the 
shuttle's remote manipulator arm to perform the first deployment and 
retrieval exercise from the shuttle's cargo bay. These early 
demonstrations paved the way for routine, yet vitally important, 
operations necessary to build the International Space Station.
  Prior to her service with NASA, Sally Ride received a bachelor of 
science in physics and a bachelor of arts in English, and went on to 
receive a master of science and doctorate degree in physics from 
Stanford University.
  What is perhaps less well known about Sally Ride is the work she has 
done to motivate girls and young women to pursue careers in math and 
science and technology. She has written five science books for 
children, and initiated and directed education programs to encourage a 
fascination with science among middle school students.
  Dr. Ride also served the Nation in other capacities, including as a 
member of the Presidential Commission investigating the Space Shuttle 
Challenger accident, and later the Columbia Accident Investigation 
Board. She has been a member of the President's Committee of Advisers 
on Science and Technology, and the National Research Council's Space 
Studies Board, as well as served on the Boards of Congressional Office 
of Technology Assessment.
  Indeed, our country does owe a great debt of gratitude to this 
amazing woman, Dr. Sally Ride.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentlewoman from California 
(Mrs. Davis) and grant her as much time as she may consume.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th 
anniversary of Dr. Sally K. Ride's historic journey as the first 
American woman in space.
  Dr. Ride also happens to be one of my constituents, and I have had 
the pleasure of meeting her. Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Ride and the 
STS-7 crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger were propelled into space. 
It had been over two decades since Neil Armstrong took one giant leap 
for mankind. But on June 18, 1983, Sally K. Ride took a large stride 
for women everywhere by becoming the first American woman in space.
  A gifted athlete, Dr. Ride had opted out of a promising tennis career 
to pursue college degrees in physics and English at Stanford 
University.
  In 1977, Dr. Ride's interest was piqued by a NASA announcement 
seeking young scientists to serve as mission specialists on shuttle 
flights. Hers would be the first NASA class ever to accept women.
  Out of thousands of applications, NASA selected Dr. Ride to be one of 
six women out of 35 new astronauts, and the class became known as the 
``35 New Guys.''
  To be sure, Mr. Speaker, on her historic space mission, Dr. Ride 
wasn't simply along for the ride. She was the mission's flight 
engineer, tested a robotic arm which deployed and retrieved satellites, 
and assisted the commander and pilot during flight.
  Six years later, Dr. Ride flew into space again. Her experience and 
success earned her the respect of our Nation and her colleagues.
  In 1986, she was asked to served on the Presidential Commission 
investigating the tragic Challenger explosion. Dr. Ride left her 
position at NASA in 1987, but has never stopped inspiring and 
encouraging the next generation to explore the world of science and 
space. Her impact on young women has been particularly profound.
  She is a professor of physics at the University of California, San 
Diego and director of the University of California's California Space 
Institute. And she has also founded her own company, Sally Ride 
Science, which encourages students and their parents and teachers to 
learn about and enjoy the field of science. And I know from personal 
experience that at the science and math fairs, she is the hit. She is 
the highlight, and all of the young people really line up to talk with 
her.
  Capturing the essence of Dr. Ride's life work, her company's motto is 
``All Science, All the Time.''
  It is this undying dedication to her field and to informing and 
inspiring young people that has been so characteristic of Dr. Ride 
since her barrier-breaking space mission a quarter of a century ago. 
With women like her leading the way, it is no wonder that the number of 
females to obtain degrees in science and engineering has increased 
dramatically in the last 30 years.
  Ensuring that women are equitably represented in science and 
technology fields will mean a new level of global competitiveness for 
our country. This is something we need as we continue to fall behind as 
a Nation in math and the sciences.
  While Dr. Ride's mission landed safely 25 years ago, the task of 
achieving gender parity in her field is far from over.
  As Dr. Ride's Congresswoman and as the grandmother to a young and 
curious granddaughter, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. FEENEY. I have no further speakers, and again, I am pleased to be 
an original cosponsor of Mr. Lampson's resolution honoring a great 
American. I urge its adoption by the House.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to work with those who

[[Page H6256]]

have believed so very much in helping change young people's lives 
across this country of ours. Mr. Feeney, Mrs. Davis and Mr. Udall all 
saw the impact that Dr. Sally Ride had on so many young minds across 
this Nation to encourage them to study science and math and 
engineering-related classes. I think this is a wonderful way of saying 
thank you to another pioneer who has made a difference in so many 
people's lives.
  I thank the gentleman for working with us on the resolution. I ask 
support for the resolution.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H.R. 1313, Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the first American 
Woman in Space, Dr. Sally K. Ride. This legislation gives us the 
opportunity to extend our appreciation and gratitude for Dr. Ride's 
excellence in service to the Nation as an astronaut, educator, and 
advocate for the next generation of women scientists and engineers. I 
would like to thank my distinguished colleague from Texas, Congressman 
Lampson, for introducing this important legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, Sally K. Ride of Los Angeles, California, a physicist by 
training and an accomplished athlete, was selected as a National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, astronaut candidate in 
1978, as part of the eighth class of NASA astronauts and one of only 
six women in the class. On June 18, 1983, Dr. Ride was lofted into 
space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger as part of the STS-7 crew, 
making her the first American woman in space. As a representative from 
``Space City Houston'', I am personally inspired by Dr. Ride's 
accolades and triumph over the status quo.
  The STS-7 crew launched two communications satellites from the 
shuttle and accomplished many first steps for the United States space 
program, including the first release and capture of a satellite using 
the shuttle's robotic arm, the first demonstration of a shuttle's 
flight in formation with a free-flying satellite, and the first United 
States-German cooperative material science experiments aboard the 
shuttle, as well as the conduct of other science experiments.
  On October 5, 1984, Dr. Ride courageously made her second spaceflight 
as a mission specialist on STS 41-G, a mission that demonstrated the 
ability to refuel satellites in orbit and launched NASA's Earth 
Radiation Budget Satellite, which spent over 20 years providing 
valuable scientific data on the Earth's absorption and re-radiation of 
solar energy. However, training for Dr. Ride's third spaceflight 
assignment ceased after the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger 
and her crew in 1986. Following this, Dr. Ride was called to serve on 
the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident.
  Refusing to let the tragic loss of her crewmen deter her from her 
passion, Dr. Ride continued to serve the Nation's space program with 
distinction, authoring the 1987 report, Leadership and America's Future 
in Space, and serving on the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. As 
an educator, author of children's books, and advocate for the next 
generation of women in science, mathematics, and technology, Dr. Ride's 
work has contributed to the wellbeing of our youth.
  Dr. Ride has worked tirelessly and passionately to encourage young 
women to follow the sciences, mathematics, and technology by promoting 
science festivals, camps, and other opportunities through which young 
women can acquire hands-on learning about science.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. 
Sally K. Ride. This legislation gives us the opportunity to extend our 
appreciation and gratitude for Dr. Ride's excellence in service to the 
Nation as an astronaut, educator, and advocate for the next generation 
of women scientists and engineers.

                              {time}  1215

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1313.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________