[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 109 (Monday, July 20, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H8360-H8362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF APOLLO 11 MOON LANDING

  Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 607) celebrating the Fortieth Anniversary of the 
Apollo 11 Moon Landing.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 607

       Whereas the Apollo program was designed to achieve the goal 
     established by President Kennedy by sending a crew of three 
     astronauts to the Moon and returning them safely to the 
     Earth;
       Whereas the Apollo program built on the knowledge and 
     experience gained from the Mercury and Gemini human space 
     flight programs, as well as from precursor robotic lunar 
     exploration activities;
       Whereas the crew of Apollo 11 consisted of Neil Armstrong, 
     Mission Commander, Buzz Aldrin, Lunar Module Pilot, and 
     Michael Collins, Command Module Pilot;
       Whereas the crew of Apollo 11 launched into space aboard a 
     Saturn V rocket on July 16, 1969, on a 4-day trip to the 
     Moon;
       Whereas, on July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin 
     successfully piloted the Eagle Lunar Module to the surface of 
     the Moon;
       Whereas, on July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong took his 
     first step on the Moon, he became the first person to walk on 
     the surface of another celestial body;
       Whereas the Apollo 11 Moon landing was the culmination of 
     the efforts of tens of thousands of scientists, engineers, 
     and other dedicated individuals and organizations;
       Whereas the Apollo 11 Moon landing was experienced by 
     millions of people all around the world by means of radio and 
     television broadcasts;
       Whereas the Apollo 11 astronauts left a plaque on the lunar 
     surface that stated: ``We came in peace for all mankind'';
       Whereas the successful Apollo 11 Moon landing was one of 
     the most significant events of the 20th century and inspired 
     a generation to strive towards great accomplishments in space 
     and on Earth; and
       Whereas the Apollo 11 achievement continues to inspire 
     Americans as we prepare for future human journeys back to the 
     Moon and other destinations in the solar system: Now, 
     therefore be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar 
     landing;
       (2) honors the brave crew of the Apollo 11 mission--Neil 
     Armstrong, ``Buzz'' Aldrin, and Michael Collins; and
       (3) commends all those individuals and organizations who 
     contributed to such a historic achievement that continues to 
     be an inspiration to the Nation and the world.

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


                             General Leave

  Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 
5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include 
extraneous material on H. Res. 607, the resolution now under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Mexico?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  I rise in strong support of House Resolution 607 which was introduced 
by Ranking Member Hall, with Chairman Gordon, Chairwoman Giffords, and 
Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Olson as original 
cosponsors. I want to thank Mr. Hall and the others for their 
initiative in introducing this resolution.
  The Apollo 11 Moon landing was one of the most significant events of 
the 20th century. It is only fitting that we celebrate it today as we 
mark the 40th anniversary of that historic event. That successful 
landing was a culmination of 8 years of sustained hard work and 
dedication by countless engineers, scientists, technicians and others 
to meet the audacious challenge laid down by President John Kennedy in 
1961 at a time when it looked as though the Soviet Union had an 
insurmountable lead in the space race. It took the efforts of many to 
make Apollo a success, and they all can take pride in what they 
accomplished.
  What had seemed only a lofty centuries-old goal of humanity a mere 
decade earlier became a wonderful reality when Mission Commander Neil 
Armstrong proudly announced on July 20, 1969, ``Houston, Tranquility 
Base here. The Eagle has landed.''
  Mr. Speaker, the inspiration and hard work that undergirded the 
successful Apollo 11 mission also laid the foundation for a host of 
technologies on which today's society depends. Apollo also stimulated 
as well as enthused generations of engineers and scientists who have 
contributed so much to our Nation's well-being in the ensuing decades.
  In short, the Apollo program continues to deliver benefits to our 
country even today. Yet the legacy of Apollo is also the example of the 
brave astronauts who carried out those risky, challenging missions. Let 
us all honor the unforgettable accomplishments of the crew of Apollo 
11: Mission Commander Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, 
and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, who participated in the first 
expedition to set foot on another celestial body. Their cool bravery 
and professionalism captured the imagination of the American people, 
and they remain genuine national heroes 40 years after they returned 
home from the Moon.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would again like to recognize and thank 
Ranking Member Hall for introducing this resolution along with Chairman

[[Page H8361]]

Bart Gordon, Chairwoman Gabrielle Giffords, and subcommittee Ranking 
Member Olson. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 607 which honors and commemorates the 40th anniversary of 
the Apollo 11 Moon landing. This event marked an extraordinary 
achievement in the history of mankind as we explored beyond the bounds 
of our own world and landed upon another.
  On May 25, 1961, in a speech to Congress, I remember hearing 
President John F. Kennedy set the goal of landing Americans on the Moon 
and then returning them safely to Earth. The space program and NASA 
were in their infancies. This was an audacious goal; but the point was 
not about accomplishing what was easy but that which was very 
difficult, that which was extremely hard.
  Kennedy knew that inspiring our Nation to rise to this challenge 
would serve to organize and measure the very best of American 
capabilities. The Apollo program expanded on the knowledge and 
experience gained from the Mercury and Gemini human space flight 
programs as well as from precursor robotic and lunar exploration 
activities. Prior to Apollo 11, four Apollo missions were sent into 
space and around the Moon to gather data.
  On July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 crew, consisting of Mission Commander 
Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, and Command Module 
Pilot Michael Collins, launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, 
atop a Saturn 5 rocket that would carry them beyond the pull of Earth's 
gravity on their historic 4-day trip to the Moon. As they left the 
Earth, they did not know whether they would ever return. They were 
intrepid explorers, the Columbuses and Magellans of our generation, 
risking their lives to explore the unknown for all of us.
  On July 20, 1969, after traveling 240,000 miles through space, the 
Apollo 11 crew successfully landed the Lunar Module Eagle on the Moon 
in the Sea of Tranquility. During that momentous event, millions of 
people in America and around the world watched in awe as Neil Armstrong 
took his famous first step and became the first person to walk on the 
surface of another celestial body.

                              {time}  1415

  The Apollo 11 Moon landing was the culmination of years' worth of 
experience, and the combined efforts of tens of thousands of engineers, 
scientists and other devoted individuals and organizations that were 
committed to accomplishing the task that had been set upon them 8 years 
earlier.
  The very successful landing was one of the most significant and 
important events in the 20th century. It inspired an entire generation 
to strive toward great accomplishments in space, as well as on Earth. 
It resulted in the greatest increases in science and engineering 
enrollments at all of our colleges and universities. It continues to 
inspire new generations as we prepare to journey back to the Moon and 
beyond, to other destinations in our solar system.
  Today as we celebrate the Apollo 11 mission and reflect on the future 
of our space program, we should reexamine the lessons learned from 
Apollo. America's economic, educational and technological strength can 
benefit from a clear, challenging and inspirational goal for human 
space exploration. It will take national leadership at all levels, and 
we need to adequately fund the endeavor. If we succeed, we will 
continue to lead the world in science and engineering enrollments at 
our colleges and in our universities, and our technology and industry 
will continue to be the envy of the world.
  As President Kennedy knew, the difficult challenges of space 
exploration serve to organize and measure our abilities, but they also 
lead to unanticipated spinoffs in areas such as health care, materials 
science and microcomputing that can be harnessed for other pressing 
national needs. On this anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, I hope we 
heed the lessons of the past and push forward into the future.
  I urge Members to fully support our Nation's space program. And I 
urge them to support House Resolution 607 celebrating and commemorating 
the 40th anniversary of this extraordinary achievement.
  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. 
Res. 607. I want to thank Mr. Hall for his initiative in introducing 
this legislation, and I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of it.
  Today, July 20th, we celebrate the fortieth anniversary of one of our 
nation's greatest achievements--humanity's first steps on another 
world. It was an amazing event, and I am proud that Americans were the 
first to take those steps.
  Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us today honors the efforts and 
accomplishments of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins in 
successfully carrying out the Apollo 11 mission. It also recognizes the 
many other dedicated individuals who worked so hard to turn President 
Kennedy's challenge into a reality.
  The success of the Apollo 11 mission, carried out in full view of the 
rest of the world, was a clear demonstration of both the technological 
capabilities of the United States of America and the willingness of our 
citizens to strive to accomplish great undertakings.
  Yet the Apollo program was as much about the journey as it was about 
the ultimate destination. Thus, the investments we made in our space 
program in the 1960s helped inspire a generation to seek to pursue 
careers in science and engineering. It led to a flowering of 
innovation, and it helped spawn a panoply of new technologies, 
materials, and processes that have delivered benefits to all of our 
citizens over the past forty years.
  That is the legacy of Apollo as much as Armstrong's and Aldrin's 
footprints on the Moon. As we contemplate future journeys back to the 
Moon as well as to other destinations in the solar system, Apollo 11 is 
a compelling reminder of what this country is capable of when we decide 
to take on a challenging task.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are today remembering the brave 
crew of Apollo 11 as well as all the other individuals and 
organizations who made their expedition possible. I hope that we can 
draw continued inspiration from their example as we embark on a new 
chapter in space exploration in the years and decades ahead.
  Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res 607, a 
resolution to honor the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. 
As you know, it was 40 years ago today that the citizens of planet 
Earth received a message from one of their own beamed all the way back 
from the surface of the Moon. That message was the historic signal that 
humanity had at long last set foot on another world. What an amazing 
accomplishment! Or as Apollo 11 Mission Commander Neil Armstrong said: 
``That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.''
  At that time, the American people could still remember the impact 
created by the Soviet Union's successful launch of Sputnik in 1957, 
which led to the Space Race with the USSR. Our nation indeed took a 
``giant leap'' when, 12 years later, two American astronauts 
successfully landed the Eagle Lunar Module on the Sea of Tranquility, 
walked upon the lunar surface, and then returned safely to Earth.
  Not only had this achievement demonstrated America's technological 
preeminence in the eyes of the world, it also inspired generations of 
engineers and scientists. Indeed, it can be argued that one of the most 
lasting benefits of the Apollo program was the flood of innovation and 
inspiration that it unleashed. It is not an overstatement to say that 
we remain today the beneficiaries of the restless energy and hard work 
that culminated in the success of Apollo 11.
  Thus I think it is incredibly important for us to pause to remember 
and honor the bravery and success of the crew of Apollo 11: Neil 
Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. In addition, we should 
also remember and honor all of the countless individuals and 
organizations who labored long and hard to make Apollo 11 possible. Yet 
I think that the best way to honor their accomplishment is to make our 
own commitment to a challenging and robust program of human and robotic 
exploration of the solar system. It is time for America to take the 
next steps in space--we cannot simply rest on our laurels, no matter 
how hard-won.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to thank Ranking Member Hall for 
introducing this resolution. I am proud to be an original cosponsor, 
and I urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a poetic 
tribute penned by Albert Carey Caswell in honor of the Apollo 11 
astronauts and the fortieth anniversary of the landing of a man on the 
moon. I asked that this be placed in the Record in honor of all of 
those dedicated and most heroic Americans who have over the years in 
the space program made it all possible, as Mars looms next.

                     Forty Years Ago This Day . . .

     Forty years ago this day . . .
     Three brave hearts hurdling through outer space . . .

[[Page H8362]]

     To walk upon the moon . . .
     A moonlit sky . . .
     As upon her are placed all eyes . . .
     All in wonder, all in such grace and awe . . .
     As throughout time such dreams were made . . .
     But, since the very dawn . . .
     To walk on the moon, this rhyme . . .
     For as long as woman and mankind . . .
     Have looked up upon these Sea of Skies . . .
     To find . . .
     To find that enchanting moon, all in time . . .
     This dream has grown . . .
     To walk upon the Moon . . .
     Lover's all in embrace . . .
     On starlite nights, up there their souls are placed . . .
     Such thoughts of fancy, all in hearts have raced . . .
     To walk upon the Moon . . .
     As a dream as old as time, has swooned . . .
     As it was but forty years ago this day . . .
     As three lone men, three lone souls led the way . . .
     Hurdling through outer space, all out there own their own . . 
           .
     As to the moon they would go . . .
     But riding on the very edge of death . . .
     As their most heroic of all hearts would crest . . .
     All in that historic quest, to walk upon the Moon . . .
     While, upon crude primitive machines of mankind their fine 
           lives were pledged . . .
     ``One step for man, one giant leap for mankind'' as said . . 
           .
     Walking On The Moon!
     As generation after generation . . .
     But, dreamed of solving this equation . . .
     Of walking on the Moon . . .
     Until, a bright star named Kennedy . . .
     Into a future this torch he'd seed . . .
     To walk upon the Moon to succeed . . .
     As launch by launch . . . mission by mission . . .
     As was set a trajectory, a course of action all in his vision 
           . . .
     By all of those, who now so lie in such soft cold quiet 
           graves . . .
     All so we could be here . . .
     Walking on the Moon . . .
     To them we say, God Bless you all!
     And to all of those families who've lived without . . .
     We pray with such thanks and gratitude, no doubt . . .
     For your loved ones sacrifice, this world has blessed . . .
     As those final moments passed . . .
     Which now lie etched, all in our hearts to last . . .
     For we will long remember, these true pioneers of space . . .
     Early explorers, who would not wait
     As into grave danger their fine lives they placed . . .
     Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins who stood fast . . .
     Walking on the Moon . . .
     For all great explorers have so met that test . . .
     With a journey begun . . .
     A star lite night . . .
     As two lovers gaze up in sight . . .
     Up upon those skies so bright . . .
     But, where dreams are made . . .
     For as long as courageous quests live on . . .
     All carried in hearts of men and women of faith so strong . . 
           .
     They such magnificent dreams will live on . . .
     Can but Mars be far behind?
     Forty Years Ago This Day!

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of H. Res. 607 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 
11 Mission which put the first humans on the moon.
  On July 20, 1969, mankind took the greatest step in exploration the 
world had ever known when Neil Armstrong stepped off the ladder of the 
lunar spacecraft and onto the dusty, cold surface of the moon. So much 
more than a few steps, the first walk on the moon symbolized the hopes 
and dreams of our nation during the difficult period of the Cold War, 
and together, Americans watched as a new chapter began in the history 
of our nation and the world.
  The first moon landing is especially relevant today as we continue to 
unlock the many scientific mysteries of our planet and our universe. 
When we look back on the achievements of yesterday, it is important to 
remember the significance of setting goals for the future and 
researching for the achievements of tomorrow. Truly, we have benefitted 
immensely from the technological advancements that were developed forty 
years ago, and it is my hope that we will build on this tradition of 
research and scientific knowledge.
  Today, on the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing, we remember 
this event and the sense of curiosity and awe the world felt when 
history was made and Neil Armstrong took that famous first ``small step 
for a man,'' and ``giant leap for mankind.''
  I urge my colleagues to join me in commemorating the first moon 
landing, and to support initiatives such as the Science, Technology, 
Education, and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives so that the future may 
hold the promise seen that mid-July night, when a small step became the 
greatest mankind has ever known.
  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to cosponsor H. Res. 607, which 
commemorates the fortieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. 
Apollo 11's successful mission was certainly ``a giant step for 
mankind,'' that should be a source of pride for all Americans.
  One of my favorite quotes regarding the moon landing was penned by 
philosopher Ayn Rand in 1969: ``Think of what was required to achieve 
that mission: think of the unpitying effort; the merciless discipline; 
the courage; the responsibility of relying on one's judgment; the days, 
nights and years of unswerving dedication to a goal; the tension of the 
unbroken maintenance of a full, clear mental focus; and the honesty. It 
took the highest, sustained acts of virtue to create in reality what 
had only been dreamt of for millennia.''
  Rand's words not only apply to the Apollo 11 mission but to all of 
the work of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 
As a representative of the Gulf Coast of Texas, which is home to many 
of NASA's most significant triumphs, I have had the opportunity to meet 
many NASA employees. I have always been impressed by their 
professionalism and dedication to their mission.
  In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
fortieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon by supporting 
H. Res. 607.
  Ms. KOSMAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
607, a resolution recognizing and honoring the three American heroes of 
the Apollo 11 mission, as well as the tens of thousands of engineers, 
scientists, and support personnel whose efforts were essential to the 
mission's success and the American qualities of ingenuity, 
exceptionalism, and creativity that drove their achievements.
  In this very chamber, President Kennedy asked for every scientist, 
engineer, serviceman, technician, contractor, and civil servant to give 
their personal pledge that this nation will move forward, with the full 
speed of freedom, in the exciting adventure of space. When he made this 
request of our nation it was on a scale equaled only by two other feats 
in the history of the world; the digging of the Panama Canal and The 
Manhattan Project.
  Just as we honor those that made the Apollo program a success, this 
occasion should be a time to recognize the rich history and tradition 
of aeronautical innovation in our nation's past and recommit ourselves 
to continuing this spirit of adventure and innovation that made our 
nation what it is today. From the Wright Brothers and Charles Lindbergh 
to Robert Goddard and Von Braun's Saturn V; from Alan Sheppard and John 
Glenn to Neil Armstrong, ``Buzz'' Aldrin, and Michael Collins, 
Americans have broken technological barriers and risked their lives in 
the quest to push the boundaries of gravity, human endurance, and 
space.
  By dedicating themselves to pushing the boundaries of discovery at 
great personal risk, the three men of Apollo 11, along with the 
thousands of men and woman who supported them on the ground, cemented 
our nation's leadership in science and technology and paved the way for 
future accomplishments in space. It is only fitting as our nation plans 
to return to the moon that we honor their great accomplishments today.
  I would also like to remind my colleagues and all Americans that our 
achievements in space have led to numerous advancements on Earth. Many 
discoveries and innovations, including water filtration, improvements 
in solar energy, and advanced flight simulation training, improve our 
everyday lives, and it is vital that we strongly support our human 
spaceflight program so that we can continue to inspire, invent, and 
achieve over the next 40 years and beyond.
  I thank my friend Mr. Hall, a great supporter of NASA, for 
introducing this resolution and urge my colleagues to join us in 
honoring this historic occasion.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LUJAN. 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 New Mexico (Mr. Lujan) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 607.
  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. BROUN of Georgia. 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.

                          ____________________