[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 113 (Thursday, July 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1441-E1442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPACE FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2008

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 1312, ``Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Space 
Foundation''. I would like to thank my colleague Doug Lamborn of 
Colorado for putting forth H. Res. 1312. I urge my colleagues to join 
me in supporting this legislation, and to commemorate the 25 years that 
the Space Foundation has spent endeavoring to advance our knowledge and 
understanding of space.
  This deserving piece of legislation will (1) recognize the 
contributions made by the Space Foundation; and (2) commemorate the 
Space Foundation's 25 years of excellence and support to the Nation.
  This resolution not only draws attention to the Space Foundation's 
many years of excellence and service, but it also recognizes the 
profound effect that a group of nonpartisan, pioneering individuals has 
had in helping to inspire, enable, and propel humanity to greater 
heights. For as a great pioneer, Neil Armstrong, once said, ``That's 
one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.''
  The Space Foundation has played a significant positive role in 
exploring, advancing and developing our understanding of space. The 
nonprofit foundation has done this by embracing all aspects of space 
including commercial, civil, and national security. In the current 
national and commercial environment in which

[[Page E1442]]

space is often at the forefront of security or innovation, the work 
that the foundation does in promoting space education programs in all 
50 States is critical. Furthermore, the Space Foundation's advocacy of 
peaceful and positive uses of outer space is crucial. Indeed, as John 
F. Kennedy, speaking in Houston, noted, ``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 the progress of all people.''
  Houston has long been at the center of the American exploration of 
space. The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston has been NASA's 
center for human spaceflight activities. Houston has served as the 
Mission Control Center for every space mission since Gemini IV and 
directs all space shuttle and International Space Station Missions. The 
Johnson Center is also home to astronaut training, and Houston is a hub 
of scientific and space-related research. Houston's connection to space 
exploration has made evident to me the potential for growth and 
discovery that space holds. This connection has also inspired in me a 
great amount of respect and support for those organizations and 
individuals who pursue an awareness of space for the fostering of a 
peaceful and prosperous world.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation with me. I believe 
that what the Space Foundation has accomplished through more than 25 
years of diligent service is more than deserving of such a 
commemoration. Through their efforts in improving our commercial, 
national, and theoretical uses and understanding of space they have 
undoubtedly helped better our Nation.

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