[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 9, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H6257-H6261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND 
                          SPACE ADMINISTRATION

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1315) commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1315

       Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     was established on July 29, 1958;
       Whereas on May 5, 1961, NASA successfully launched 
     America's first manned spacecraft, Freedom 7, piloted by Alan 
     B. Shepard, Jr.;
       Whereas in July of 1969 President John Kennedy's vision of 
     landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth 
     was realized with the Apollo 11 mission, commanded by Neil A. 
     Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Edwin ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., and 
     Command Module pilot Michael Collins;
       Whereas on April 12, 1981, NASA began a new era of human 
     space flight and exploration with the launch of the first 
     Space Shuttle Columbia, commanded by John W. Young and 
     piloted by Robert L. ``Bob'' Crippen;
       Whereas NASA has greatly expanded our knowledge and 
     understanding of our planet and solar system through various 
     unmanned vehicles utilized on numerous missions;
       Whereas, during the Cold War, NASA's achievements served as 
     a source of national pride and captured the imagination of 
     the world by demonstrating a peaceful use of our 
     technological capabilities;
       Whereas NASA now serves as a model for international 
     cooperation and American leadership through the International 
     Space Station and other scientific endeavors;
       Whereas thanks to NASA and the far-reaching gaze of the 
     Hubble Space Telescope, we have seen further into our 
     universe than ever before;
       Whereas NASA space probes have landed on or flown by eight 
     of the planets in our solar system;
       Whereas the aeronautics research by NASA has led to great 
     discoveries and advances in aircraft design and aviation;
       Whereas the work done by NASA has expanded the scope of 
     human knowledge, created new technologies, and inspired young 
     men and women to enter scientific and engineering careers;
       Whereas in the last fifty years, NASA has positively 
     impacted almost every facet of our lives; and
       Whereas, thanks to the heroism, courage, and supreme 
     sacrifice of our astronaut corps over the last five decades, 
     we are now able to live and work in space for the benefit of 
     all men: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors the men and women of the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration on the occasion of its 50th 
     Anniversary;
       (2) acknowledges the value of NASA's discoveries and 
     accomplishments; and
       (3) pledges to maintain America's position as the world 
     leader in aeronautics and space exploration and technology.

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


                             General Leave

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
include extraneous material on H. Res. 1315, 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.
  I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration, whose many outstanding 
achievements have provided many immeasurable benefits for the United 
States and the world.
  It was 50 years ago this month, specifically July 29, that President 
Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 that 
established NASA. At that time, the American public was still reeling 
from the impact of the Soviet Union's successful

[[Page H6258]]

launch of Sputnik 1 in late 1957 which led to the space race with the 
Soviets. That race came to an end less than 12 years later when 
American astronauts successfully landed on the Moon and returned safely 
to Earth. NASA was the agency that led the effort to create a human 
space flight program from scratch and make America preeminent in space.
  Yet as remarkable as NASA's achievements were in getting America to 
the Moon as well as to building the Shuttle and Skylab and the 
International Space Station, NASA has excelled in many other areas. 
NASA's aeronautics research and development activities over the past 
half century have led to significant advances in both civil and 
military aircraft. NASA's aeronautics programs have also helped to make 
America's aviation system a world leader in safety and have improved 
our quality of life in numerous ways.
  In addition to human space flight and aeronautics, NASA has created 
space and Earth science programs that are second to none in the world 
in terms of advancing knowledge of our planet and of our universe. One 
only has to look at the ways in which the Hubble telescope, for 
example, has rewritten the astronomy textbook since its launch in 1990 
to know that NASA's space-based science programs are really some of the 
Nation's premier research endeavors.
  In addition, NASA's technology developments have rippled through our 
economy in countless ways, delivering new materials, new processes, and 
new systems that have had a major impact on things as diverse as health 
care and weather forecasting.
  And finally, NASA continues to be a source of inspiration to our 
young people and a symbol to the world of America's technological and 
scientific preeminence. These are important realities that we should 
not overlook when we debate funding for NASA.
  Mr. Speaker, investing in NASA has been and continues to be an 
investment in our future. I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of this 
resolution along with Mr. McCaul. I urge all of our Members to support 
it.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I want to thank my colleague and friend from the Houston area for his 
support in this resolution.
  I rise today in support of H. Res. 1315, to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
otherwise known as NASA. NASA was founded on July 29, 1958. On May 5, 
1961, the first American was launched into space on Freedom 7, and that 
was Alan Shepard. On July 20, 1969, President Kennedy's dream was 
fulfilled when Apollo 11 landed on the Moon. Neil Armstrong became the 
first man to walk on the Moon at that time, and the first space shuttle 
Columbia launched on April 12, 1981.
  NASA has inspired generations of interest in science and engineering 
in young people. I remember taking one of the astronauts through my 
school district all the way from Houston to Austin, Texas, and just the 
hope and the dreams that she and NASA's program inspires in our young 
people, particularly in the fields of math and science, is truly an 
inspiration, I think, for all of us as Members of Congress.
  NASA's work has really led to technological and scientific advantages 
that benefit everyone in society, including satellite communications. 
We all use cell phones. Lord knows we all use our BlackBerrys here in 
Congress and elsewhere. We have a great understanding of the human body 
because of the knowledge gained during man's space flight.

                              {time}  1230

  This program, based at the Johnson Space Center in Mr. Lampson's 
district and not too far from mine, is an important part of the Houston 
area economy. More than 15,000 people are employed at the Johnson Space 
Center, and NASA's work is an example of how the government and the 
private sector can work together to make this world a better place.
  It's vital that the Congress act, in my view, to minimize the gap 
between the retirement of the space shuttle and the start of Orion, to 
maintain our leadership role in space exploration. And through the 
International Space Station, NASA currently serves as a model of 
international cooperation.
  NASA's work has greatly expanded our knowledge of our universe. The 
Hubble Telescope, as my colleague from Houston talked about, launched 
in 1990, is still providing us with useful data and bringing the 
schoolchildren the wonders of space. NASA has sent probes to eight 
different planets in the solar system.
  We can't think about the space program without the President who 
launched it, President Kennedy, and when he explained why space 
exploration is so important and so necessary, he said, ``The 
exploration of space will go ahead, whether we join it or not, and it 
is one of the greatest adventures of all time, and no Nation which 
expects to be the leader of other Nations can expect to stay behind in 
this race for space . . . 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 all people.''
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 5 minutes to the 
gentlelady from California (Ms. Richardson).
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 
1315, commemorating the 50th anniversary of NASA.
  With the exception of apple pie and baseball, few reflections 
resonate across America of how proud we are of all of the work that 
NASA has done.
  Since its inception in 1958, NASA has been the leading agency for 
American and global innovation. Indeed, the creation of NASA was 
responsible for introducing a whole new generation of scientists, 
engineers, and mathematicians here in the United States.
  Likewise, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of 
NASA, it is important to adhere to the continuing commitment we should 
make as a Nation to embrace innovation, and reach the unachievable, but 
we, as Members of Congress, must back that up with funding.
  As a member of the Science and Technology Committee, I was fortunate 
to view in person the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor on March 10, 
2008, where I witnessed at night the best and the brightest 
orchestrated through its operations and through its making history.
  From making commercial aviation safer, to studying climate change, 
and strengthening international partnerships, which we desperately need 
at this time, the scientists at NASA continue to do advanced research 
on the issues that affect our daily lives.
  I would like to applaud my colleague on the Science and Technology 
Committee, Representative McCaul, for bringing this thoughtful 
resolution to the floor and also to Mr. Lampson for his commitment to 
this issue.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 1315, commemorating 
the 50th anniversary, and we hope that there will be many to come.
  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield to the 
distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey) for 4 minutes.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I 
rise in strong support of this resolution, H. Res. 1315, honoring NASA 
on its 50th anniversary.
  As an original cosponsor of this resolution, I'd like to commend my 
colleagues from the Science Committee, the chairman of the 
subcommittee, Mr. Lampson, the ranking member, Mr. McCaul of Texas, for 
introducing the thoughtful resolution commemorating NASA on this 
important milestone for our country.
  Mr. Speaker, over the years, NASA has not only been the leader in 
human space exploration, but has successfully used technological 
capabilities like, as mentioned by my colleagues, the Hubble Telescope 
and GPS systems. I anticipate the men and women of NASA, they will 
continue being the true leaders and innovators in the years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, as we speak today, NASA is undergoing aggressive 
research to convert domestic energy sources, coal, natural gas, 
biomass, oil shale, into cleaner and more economical alternatives to 
traditional jet fuel. Now, why is that important? It's important, Mr. 
Speaker, because in the

[[Page H6259]]

year 2003, the NASA agency spent $4.5 million on their jet fuel, 4.6 
million gallons. In 2007, 4 years later, they spent $18.3 million. So 
they're doing this research in conjunction with the Department of 
Defense and the United States Air Force to try to find alternative 
sources of fuel to lower the costs to the government.
  And everybody in this chamber, everybody in this Nation, knows that 
we are suffering tremendously from a lack of supply and a tremendous 
demand, and that's why we're paying $4.11 a gallon for regular 
gasoline.
  We can solve this problem, but there's one little glitch, and that's 
the Democrat Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which 
absolutely prohibits NASA and the Department of Defense from utilizing 
any petroleum source other than conventional petroleum if it's not as 
clean.
  Well, in times like these, when the country's on the verge of 
bankruptcy, I think the first priority, Mr. Speaker, should be to lower 
the price of gasoline, and let NASA continue to research so that we can 
make the conversion of shale which has something like 1.3 trillion 
barrels of petroleum embedded in that rock and that we can convert coal 
to liquid, to petroleum. We have 1.5 trillion tons of coal in this 
country, and we only use about 1 billion tons a year. We have a 
tremendous excess amount of coal right here in River City, and yet, 
this energy bill the Democrats passed last year prohibits us from going 
after this source, increasing the supply so that the price of gasoline 
at the pump goes down.
  And I would implore my colleagues to bring these bills to the floor. 
They're over there. There's a discharge petition. Republicans have 
signed them, just a handful of Democrats. We need to bring these issues 
to the floor, have an up-or-down vote. At least give NASA and the 
Department of Defense a waiver of section 526 so that we can solve this 
problem and we're not so dependent on these foreign Nations that hate 
our guts, countries such as Venezuela and countries in the Middle East.
  It's time to act. I commend the committee for bringing this 
resolution. It's a great resolution honoring NASA on its 50th 
anniversary. I support it fully, but I also support a balanced approach 
to solving our energy needs.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1315 honoring NASA 
on its 50th anniversary. As an original cosponsor of this resolution, I 
would like to commend my colleague from the Science Committee, Mr. 
McCaul of Texas, for introducing this thoughtful resolution to 
commemorate NASA on this important milestone for our country.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no Federal agency that has risen to the 
challenge of innovation over the last 50 years like NASA. We, as a 
nation, are today the fortunate heirs of NASA's legacy: conviction, 
resolve, achievement.
  When the Soviets put a man into orbit, NASA was challenged by 
President Kennedy--in the truest form of the American competitive 
spirit--to put men on the moon. Many of our NASA pioneers paved the way 
for the crew of Apollo 11--Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael 
Collins--to reach that once unattainable goal. Now, those famous words, 
``One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind'' exemplify the 
legacy that NASA has established.
  Over the years, NASA has not only been the leader in human space 
exploration, but has successfully used technological capabilities like 
the Hubble Telescope to explore the far reaches of our galaxy. Given 
the precedent of achievement that NASA has set, I anticipate the men 
and women of NASA to continue being among the true leaders and 
innovators in the years to come.
  While this resolution represents a time for us to celebrate the 
achievements of NASA over the past 50 years, this is also a time to 
reflect and memorialize those who gave their lives in their service to 
NASA and the Nation--particularly the crews of Apollo 1 in 1967, the 
Challenger in 1986, and the Columbia in 2003. The sacrifices that these 
men and women made in the service of our country will always remind us 
of the fragile nature of human life, and the risks associated with 
successes that NASA has accomplished.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to take this time 
to think about the impact and legacy that NASA has left our great 
Nation over the last 50 years, and I urge all of my colleagues to 
support H. Res. 1315.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I will reserve the balance of my time for 
right now.
  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman 
from Florida (Mr. Feeney).
  Mr. FEENEY. I thank the gentleman from Texas, and I'm thrilled to be 
part of the celebration of NASA's 50th anniversary with this House 
Resolution 1315.
  NASA was created 50 years ago in the wake of the former Soviet 
Union's launch of Sputnik. Sputnik provided the perception of Soviet 
superiority in military power and scientific achievement.
  To counter that challenge, the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration was founded for conducting America's civilian space 
program.
  NASA actually succeeded the National Advisory Committee for 
Aeronautics, a splendid organization founded in 1915 that produced gems 
of aeronautical research. Now the task was to extend America's reach 
from the air to space.
  NASA did so. Satellites were launched to monitor the weather, relay 
communications, and explore our solar system. America's human 
spaceflight program, Project Mercury, began. Astronauts were selected 
in 1959, and in 1960, NASA began planning a manned lunar landing.
  The rest became an integral part of the American identity, not just 
for us but for how the rest of the world views the American experience: 
our journeys to the Moon; the space shuttle; the International Space 
Station; Apollo 13's harrowing journey; the tragedies of Apollo 1, the 
Shuttle Challenger, and the Shuttle Columbia; the Hubble Space 
Telescope; the robotic exploration of other planets; the monitoring of 
our dynamic Earth; and of course, the wonder of flight itself. All done 
in the full view of the world.
  Today, America is the world's premier spacefaring Nation. For 50 
years, the men and women of the NASA family have brought great honor 
and prestige to this country. Today, the House of Representatives 
honors those people, past and present.
  We will continue that legacy. Last month, this House overwhelmingly 
passed a NASA reauthorization bill that lays out a comprehensive 
blueprint for sustaining a healthy and vigorous NASA. Considerable care 
has been devoted to all elements of NASA's portfolio, human 
spaceflight, Earth and space sciences, and aeronautics. We must never 
relinquish our leadership in space.
  And yet, today in the Washington Post, the Washington Post points out 
that just like competition on Earth, space is now a global competitive 
environment, and I quote the Washington Post from today's edition. 
``Space, like Earth below, is globalizing. And as it does, America's 
long-held superiority in exploring, exploiting and commercializing `the 
final frontier' is slipping away, many experts believe.''
  I agree with that assessment. Slowly but steadily, we are allowing 
our historic lead in space to slip away, and this House and the Senate 
and the next administration needs to step to the forefront. We're 
experiencing increasing competition from China, from India, from Japan, 
from Russia, from the European Space Agency, and increasingly, many 
others.
  In the aftermath of the Shuttle Columbia accident, America 
rededicated itself to human spaceflight. We vowed to resume flying the 
shuttle, complete the International Space Station, and then build and 
fly a new generation of spacecraft that will take America beyond 
orbiting the Earth. The Moon will be the first of many destinations.
  When this vision was announced, one of the first responses came in an 
editorial in The Daily Telegraph. Sometimes those living ``across the 
pond'' are the best way to observe the American people. Here's what the 
editorial said. ``Americans, thank Heaven, are a restless, inquisitive, 
pioneering people. The concept of exploration, of an ever-expanding 
frontier, is central to their identity in a way that some Europeans 
find hard to understand.''
  As the world watches, NASA displays this fundamental part of our 
American character, and that is appropriate. For we explore space not 
just for ourselves, we do so for all of humankind.
  Mr. LAMPSON. I yield myself 2 minutes, Mr. Speaker.
  I've listened with interest to Congressman Gingrey's comments a few 
minutes ago about the advancements that NASA has made with regard to 
its energy usage. It has been tremendous.

[[Page H6260]]

  On last Tuesday, I happened to have been at the Johnson Space Center 
watching the operation of the new lunar rover. It is a six-wheeled, 
actually double wheels, vehicle that runs entirely on battery power and 
has a magnificent amount of strength and longevity. It's the research 
that NASA has done in the development of better batteries, longer life 
for batteries, and the fact that they have been able to develop solar 
power to the extent that the International Space Station is entirely 
powered with solar collectors that are on that station, and the 
research that they are doing to increase the opportunity for us to be 
able to gather solar power in space and beam it down to Earth for our 
use, that continues to show the technological advancements and 
capabilities of our NASA, of our National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration.
  The work that they have done on the development of fuel cells and 
hydrogen, all of these magnificent technologies have come because of 
the commitment that they have had to look at new and different and 
better ways of doing things. And thank goodness they have looked at it 
in exactly the way Dr. Gingrey was saying, balanced.
  We've got to find a way to make sure that we're looking at all 
sources of energy, and NASA is showing exactly how to accomplish that 
task.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me say once again how proud I 
am have to have introduced this resolution. I appreciate the support of 
the gentleman from Texas, my friend and colleague, and the support of 
the colleagues on my side of the aisle as well.
  The NASA space program has proven to provide a great return on our 
investment in terms of Federal research and development dollars, and I 
would urge this Congress to continue that investment.

                              {time}  1245

  A recent article in The Washington Post today outlined that the U.S. 
finds it's getting crowded out in terms of dominance in space as other 
nations step up their efforts. China plans to conduct its first 
spacewalk in October. The European Space Agency is building a roving 
robot to land on Mars. And India recently launched a record 10 
satellites into space on a single rocket. We cannot fall behind. That 
is not the intent, the purpose, the vision of NASA.
  ``Space, like Earth below, is globalizing. And as it does, America's 
long-held superiority in exploring, exploiting and commercializing the 
final frontier is slipping away,'' according to this article, ``many 
experts believe.''
  And although the United States remains dominant in most space-related 
fields and owns half the military satellites currently orbiting Earth, 
experts say the Nation's superiority is diminishing and many other 
nations are expanding their civilian and commercial space capabilities 
at a far faster pace.
  Michael Griffin said, ``We spent tens of billions of dollars during 
the Apollo era to purchase a commanding lead in space over all nations 
on Earth.'' However, this agency's budget is down 20 percent since 
1992. According to Mr. Griffin, ``We've been living off the fruit of 
that purchase for 40 years and have not chosen to invest at a level 
that would preserve that commanding lead.''
  We have authorized funding for NASA. I was proud to support that; I 
think we can do better. We need to continue to support this very 
important program which provides not only great scientists and 
engineers for this country, but allows us to be competitive globally in 
all areas, including science and technology and energy, but also in the 
wonders of space.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
McCaul) for his work on this legislation to bring attention to the 
wonderful work of the people who have run our National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration. Mr. McCaul made reference earlier to teachers and 
students going and visiting the Johnson Space Center in Houston. I 
remember taking students and classes myself back around 1970--actually, 
before we stepped foot on the Moon in 1969--and the wonderment, the 
excitement that all of the people who have had anything at all to do 
with NASA have been able to instill in young people, causing them to 
want to go and study math and science and engineering. What a great 
thing to do. And what a great day to be able to stand and say 
congratulations on 50 years of service and operation and advances in 
technology for our country and for the world.
  So this is fitting that we support House Resolution 1315 in 
commemoration for NASA in its 50 years of operation. I ask all of my 
colleagues to support the bill.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of 
H. Res. 1315, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration.
  NASA has made a major impact on our national competitiveness in space 
and aeronautics research.
  Since the Sputnik era of the late 1950s, the United States has 
established world leadership in space flight. Along with that 
accomplishment, our Nation's investments in NASA have created a strong 
aeronautics and engineering workforce. This intelligent, talented, 
well-prepared workforce is one of NASA's most powerful legacies.
  NASA is of great economic importance to Texas. Johnson Space Center 
employs 15,000 civil servants and contractors. An untold number of 
small spin-off companies have been formed as a result of good ideas 
from the brain power at NASA.
  Research discoveries from our time in space have also greatly 
benefited our populace.
  Each year since 1976, NASA has published a list of every 
commercialized technology and product linked to its research.
  The NASA journal ``Spinoff'' highlights these products, which have 
included things like improved pacemakers, state-of-the-art exercise 
machines and satellite radio.
  All of these everyday products have stemmed from NASA-funded 
research: Invisible braces; scratch-resistant lenses; memory foam; the 
ear thermometer; shoe insoles; long-distance telecommunications; 
adjustable smoke detectors; cordless tools; and water filters.
  During my 15 years on the House Committee on Science and Technology, 
I have proudly advocated for strong support of NASA.
  Its education activities, particularly its efforts to encourage 
under-represented minorities to pursue engineering and science careers, 
are exemplary.
  I want to congratulate the great work that NASA has done in its 50 
years of existence to conduct research that benefits all members of our 
society.
  May the next 50 years be as productive and as successful as the 
first.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 1315, Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. As we mark the 50th 
anniversary of the establishment of the United States space program, 
this legislation reaffirms the ever growing and changing role of NASA, 
providing resources to carry the agency forward with its ambitious 
agenda of research, exploration, and discovery. I would like to thank 
Congressman McCaul for introducing this important legislation, as well 
as the Science Committee Chairman for his leadership in bringing this 
bill to the floor today.
  I have long supported NASA and I have offered an amendment to H.R. 
6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
Act of 2008.
  My amendment clarifies that the NASA Outreach and Technology 
Assistance Program will include small, minority-owned, and women-owned 
businesses. It would also give preference, in selection of businesses 
to participate in the program, to socially and economically 
disadvantaged small business concerns, small business concerns owned 
and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and HUBZone small business 
concerns.
  Mr. Speaker, today's resolution will allow NASA to continue to push 
the boundaries of what is possible, keeping our Nation on the forefront 
of innovation and exploration. After the Columbia disaster, NASA stands 
at a pivotal moment in its history. It is the responsibility of this 
Congress to ensure. that the future of NASA is one of continued 
progress. Space exploration remains a part of our national destiny. It 
inspires our children to look to the stars and dream of what they too, 
one day, may achieve. Space exploration allows us to push the bounds of 
our scientific knowledge, as we carry out research projects not 
possible within the constraints of the planet Earth. As a Nation, we 
have made tremendous strides forward in the pursuit of space 
exploration since President John F. Kennedy set the course for our 
nation in 1962, calling it the ``greatest adventure on which man has 
ever embarked.'' Despite the setbacks of recent years, including the 
tragedy that befell

[[Page H6261]]

the Space Shuttle Columbia, NASA and the American people have refused 
to abandon the pursuit of knowledge of our universe. On October 1, 
1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration began 
operation. At the time it consisted of only about 8,000 employees and 
an annual budget of $100 million. Over the next 50 years, NASA and the 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory 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.
  Many of us remember how inspired we were when on May 25, 1961, 
President John F. Kennedy proclaimed: ``I believe this Nation should 
commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of 
landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth. No single 
space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or 
more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will 
be so difficult or expensive to accomplish. ``The success of the United 
States space exploration program in the 20th Century augurs well for 
its continued leadership in the 21st Century. This success is largely 
attributable to the remarkable and indispensable partnership between 
the National Aeronautics, and Space Administration and its 10 space and 
research centers. One of these important research centers is located in 
my home city of Houston. The Johnson Space Center, which manages the 
development, testing, production, and delivery of all United States 
human spacecraft and all human spacecraft-related functions, is one of 
the crown jewels of the Houston area.
  Today, NASA is the Nations' primary civil space and aeronautics 
research and development agency, and its current activities employ over 
18,000 Americans. Today's legislation reaffirms the fundamental 
operating principles of NASA, emphasizes the importance of NASA 
leadership in a range of endeavors such as Earth observations and 
research, aeronautics reach and development, and an exploration 
program.
  Always on the forefront of technological innovation, NASA has been 
home to countless ``firsts'' in the field of space exploration. America 
has, countless times, proven itself to be a leader in innovation, and 
many technologies that have become part of our everyday lives were 
developed by NASA scientists. The benefits of NASA's programming and 
innovation are felt far beyond scientific and academic spheres. Space 
technologies provide practical, tangible benefits to society, and NASA 
provides valuable opportunities to businesses in our community.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in support of this 
legislation, and in support of the future of American innovation and 
exploration.
  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. 1315.
  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.

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