[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 146 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[House]
[Pages H6481-H6483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL ROTUNDA FOR CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL 
                                CEREMONY

  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in 
the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 29) authorizing the use of the 
rotunda of the United States Capitol for an event to present the 
Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. 
``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, and John Herschel Glenn, Jr., in 
recognition of their significant contributions to society.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            S. Con. Res. 29

       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring),

     SECTION 1. USE OF THE ROTUNDA OF THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL TO 
                   PRESENT THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.

       (a) Authorization.--The rotunda of the United States 
     Capitol is authorized to be used on November 16, 2011 for the 
     presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, 
     to Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., Michael 
     Collins, and John Herschel Glenn, Jr., in recognition of 
     their significant contributions to society.
       (b) Preparations.--Physical preparations for the conduct of 
     the event described in subsection (a) shall be carried out in 
     accordance

[[Page H6482]]

     with such conditions as may be prescribed by the Architect of 
     the Capitol.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Mississippi (Mr. Harper) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Brady) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Mississippi.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Mississippi?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HARPER. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  This resolution authorizes the use of the rotunda on November 16 to 
present the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to Neil A. 
Armstrong, Edwin E. ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, and John 
Herschel Glenn, Jr., in recognition of their significant contributions 
to society.
  Mr. Speaker, on May 25, 1961, President Kennedy spoke to a joint 
session of Congress. He said that it was time for a ``great new 
American enterprise--time for this Nation to take a clearly leading 
role in space achievement.'' He committed this Nation to achieving the 
ambitious goal of landing a man on the Moon and returning him to Earth 
safely.
  President Kennedy added, ``I believe we possess all the resources and 
talents necessary'' to accomplish the mission--and that we did as 
exhibited by the gentlemen to be honored in the rotunda this November.
  Bravely pursuing the unknown, these four individuals helped this 
Nation achieve scientific and technological advancements which inspired 
the world.
  Mr. Speaker, Neil Armstrong was the spacecraft commander for Apollo 
11, the first manned lunar landing mission in history. He was the first 
person to land a craft on the Moon and the first to step foot on its 
surface. His immortal words are forever etched in our national memory.
  ``Buzz'' Aldrin piloted the Lunar Module ``Eagle'' and was the second 
person to walk on the Moon.
  Michael Collins piloted the Command Module ``Columbia'' in lunar 
orbit and helped his fellow Apollo 11 astronauts complete their mission 
on the Moon.
  Seven-and-a-half years earlier, John Glenn paved the way for these 
achievements by becoming the first American to orbit the Earth in 
February of 1962.
  Two years ago, on the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11's historic lunar 
landing, the New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal Act was passed by 
Congress. Forty-two years ago, in July of 1969, millions of Americans 
were transfixed on a place over a quarter of a million miles away. Eyes 
watched as we stepped into the unknown, walked on the Moon and made 
history.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present this resolution today, and I 
urge my colleagues to support it in honoring the achievements of these 
national heroes.
                                         House of Representatives,


                            Committee on House Administration,

                                  Washington, DC, October 3, 2011.
     Hon. John Boehner,
     Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, 
         DC.
       Dear Speaker Boehner: I write to notify you that the 
     Committee on House Administration hereby waives further 
     committee consideration of S. Con. Res. 29, a concurrent 
     resolution authorizing the use of the rotunda of the United 
     States Capitol for an event to present the Congressional Gold 
     Medal, collectively, to Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. "Buzz" 
     Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, and John Herschel Glenn, Jr., 
     in recognition of their significant contributions to society, 
     in order that the legislation may proceed expeditiously to 
     the House floor for consideration.
           Sincerely,
                                                Daniel E. Lungren,
                                                         Chairman.

  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this concurrent resolution 
authorizing the use of the Capitol rotunda to award Congressional Gold 
Medals to Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., Michael 
Collins, and John Herschel Glenn, Jr., for being pioneers of space 
exploration. The bill granting the medals was sponsored by former 
Representative Alan Grayson in the 110th Congress and was signed into 
law by President Obama on August 7, 2009.
  It can be said that these four heroes are trailblazers, but their 
paths ensured they were not the last. They showed everyone that the 
impossible is possible and inspired generations to study, question, and 
explore the world beyond our own planet. For that, they have not only 
left a mark on history but on the will and determination of mankind.
  As President John F. Kennedy noted in a speech to Congress on May 25, 
1961, ``I believe that 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 the Earth.'' And so we did.
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me today in supporting this 
concurrent resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), the distinguished chairman of the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
  Mr. HALL. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 
29, authorizing the use of the Capitol rotunda to present the 
Congressional Gold Medal to the crew of Apollo 11--Buzz Aldrin, Neil 
Armstrong, and Mike Collins--and to the first American to orbit the 
Earth, John H. Glenn.
  These great Americans need no introduction. Yet no matter their 
heroic accomplishments, it is well worth remembering the huge risks 
each of these individuals confronted as they began to push the 
boundaries of human exploration in outer space.
  While the technologies they relied on to conduct their flights were 
considered cutting edge during their day, many of these systems had 
never been fully tested except during the actual first flights 
performed by these men.
  On February 20, 1962, John Glenn rode to orbit atop an Atlas rocket 
that had been adapted from a military design to carry the Mercury 
capsule Friendship 7 to orbit. His flight lasted nearly 5 hours before 
returning safely to Earth. Seven years and 5 months later, Apollo 11 
astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Mike Collins were launched. 
After a 4-day flight, Neil and Buzz landed on the Moon, becoming the 
first humans to walk on its surface.
  I was honored to chair a hearing just 2 weeks ago that included Neil 
Armstrong and fellow Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan, the last American 
man to walk on the Moon, as witnesses. Mr. Armstrong prefaced the 
hearing with a very dramatic video that included footage of his descent 
inside the Eagle lunar module to its landing.

                              {time}  1700

  Many of you, I'm sure, have seen this footage, but to hear Neil 
Armstrong offer a live narration as the Eagle descends and settles on 
the Moon's surface is something I'll never forget.
  I also want to recognize my good friend Buzz Aldrin, whom I've come 
to know over the years. Buzz has never failed to counsel me on all 
things related to space and NASA, and I appreciate his commitment to 
our country and to our space program.
  Mr. Speaker, the last Congress passed legislation, signed by the 
President, authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal for these brave 
astronauts. The legislation before us today, S. Con. Res. 29, 
authorizes the use of the Capitol rotunda on November 16, some 43 days 
hence, to formally make the award.
  I support the resolution and urge all Members to support it as well.
  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I thank the gentleman from Mississippi, my 
friend.
  I urge all Members to support this resolution, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Lungren and 
Ranking Member Brady for their support on this matter.
  I urge my colleagues to support this concurrent resolution, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. Con. Res. 
29, which would authorize the use of the Capitol rotunda for an event 
on November 16, 2011 to present Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. ``Buzz'' 
Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, and John Herschel Glenn, Jr., with the 
Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award that this nation 
can bestow

[[Page H6483]]

on an individual. I would like to call to your attention in particular 
the deeds of one of those outstanding individuals, ``Buzz'' Aldrin.
  Buzz Aldrin was born at Mountainside Hospital in New Jersey in 1930. 
He graduated from Montclair High School in 1946, turning down a 
scholarship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in favor of 
the chance to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, 
where he graduated third in his class in 1951. I am proud to represent 
Montclair, and I am sure that the citizens of my Eighth District would 
agree that Buzz Aldrin is one of our most distinguished natives.
  After graduating from West Point, Aldrin received his commission as a 
second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He flew 66 combat 
missions during the Korean War, and shot down two enemy fighters during 
his distinguished service there. Following the war, Aldrin served as an 
instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and later earned his Doctor 
of Science Degree from MIT. In 1963, he was selected to become a NASA 
astronaut.
  On July 20th, 1969, Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon as a member of the 
crew of NASA's Apollo 11 mission. He was the second human being ever on 
the moon, following his crewmate Neil Armstrong. He is the first 
astronaut to both spacewalk and set foot on the moon.
  Since his retirement from active duty in 1972 after 21 years of 
service, Col. Aldrin continues to advocate for space travel, appearing 
repeatedly on television, in print, and in person around the country. 
He has helped NASA to develop new training techniques, and has proposed 
innovative new ideas for manned missions to the planet Mars and its 
moons. As an author, he has published two science-fiction novels, two 
autobiographies, and several children's books.
  Col. Aldrin has been honored with countless awards and distinctions 
for his service with the U.S. Air Force, with NASA, and to the country. 
These awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the 
NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom. Buzz Aldrin also has a star on the 
Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of 
Fame in 2007. It is fitting that he now be bestowed the Congressional 
Gold Medal
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the 
achievements of brave heroes such as Buzz Aldrin.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the citizens of New 
Jersey's Eighth District, and me in recognizing Edwin E. ``Buzz'' 
Aldrin, Jr. and his colleagues for their outstanding service to this 
nation in the name of science, education, and discovery.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of Senate Concurrent Resolution 29 authorizing the use of the rotunda 
of the United States Capitol for an event to present the Congressional 
Gold Medal, collectively, to Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. ``Buzz'' 
Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, and John Herschel Glenn, Jr., in 
recognition of their significant contributions to society. Their hard 
work and perseverance exemplify the work ethic we stand for as a 
nation, and I can think of no place better than the rotunda to honor 
their leadership and sacrifice in service to this country.
  The rotunda of the United States Capitol offers the perfect venue to 
show the necessary respect to three men who risked their lives to 
change the course of history in the name of the United States of 
America. In the tension of the Cold War, when it seemed the existence 
of the free world had been brought into question, these three men 
stepped directly into harm's way in service to their country. A 
ceremony in the rotunda will evoke the honor and respect that we owe to 
these three brave men, and I offer my full support for the use of this 
space.
  The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by Congress for 
outstanding deeds or acts of service to the security, prosperity, and 
national interest of the United States. The Congressional Gold Medal is 
the highest civilian award, and these men are deserving recipients.
  The importance of this event is particularly relevant to the 18th 
district of Texas given the city of Houston's role in the Apollo 
legacy. Not long after President Kennedy set our nation on the course 
of putting a man on the moon, Houston became a key player in the 
realization of that goal. Before uttering his famous phrase, Neil 
Armstrong, communicated with Johnson Space Center's Mission Control 
Center from the surface of the moon, stating ``Houston, the Eagle has 
landed.'' The historic lunar landing remains a cornerstone of the 
American legacy, and at a time when the very existence of NASA sits in 
question, it is especially important that we deliver a ceremony that 
will propel the memory of NASA pioneers into future generations.
  Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, 
and John Herschel Glenn, Jr. were called to service by their country, 
in a time when two great nations challenged each other and boldly raced 
into space. In the bleak years of the Cold War, we conquered a new 
frontier, and in turn understood things about the universe we never 
thought possible. These men played an important role in American 
history that will benefit generations to come, and are well deserving 
of this honor.
  It is in a spirit of deep appreciation that I am pleased to join my 
colleagues in supporting S. Con. Res 29, authorizing the use of the 
rotunda of the United States Capitol for an event to present the 
Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. 
``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, and John Herschel Glenn, Jr., in 
recognition of their significant contributions to society.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Harper) that the House suspend the 
rules and concur in the concurrent resolution, S. Con. Res. 29.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was concurred in.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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