[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 12 (Monday, January 23, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E79]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN GENE CERNAN

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                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 23, 2017

  Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I join 
millions around our country and in NASA and the space industry who are 
mourning the loss of one of a dozen Apollo space legends, Capt. Eugene 
``Gene'' Cernan.
   As the Commander of the Apollo 17 mission, and the most recent man 
on the moon--as he put it--he remained a tireless and outspoken 
advocate for NASA and America's manned space exploration program. 
Captain Cernan testified before Congress numerous times, and took a 
leading role in promoting human spaceflight.
   Captain Cernan had an unshakable conviction that it was mankind's 
destiny to explore and that the U.S. must take the lead, for the 
benefit of all mankind. He conveyed these sentiments as he left the 
lunar surface, ``. . .as I take man's last step from the surface, back 
home for some time to come--but we believe not too long into the 
future--I'd like to just (say) what I believe history will record: that 
America's challenge of today has forged man's destiny of tomorrow. And, 
as we leave the Moon at Taurus-Littrow, we leave as we came and, God 
willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for mankind. . .''
   I first met Capt. Cernan here in Washington D.C. about one year ago, 
and I was inspired by his incredible passion for human space 
exploration and conviction that the United States must lead in this 
world-changing endeavor. God speed Capt. Cernan, I promise that I will 
continue your fight in the Congress to establish a bold and purposeful 
human space exploration program.
   My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Captain 
Cernan.

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