[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2636]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE TO THE FAMILIES OF THE CREW OF THE 
                       SPACE SHUTTLE ``COLUMBIA''

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as the Nation mourns the loss 
of seven brave men and women, I rise in support of H. Res. 51, a 
resolution expressing condolences to the families of the crew of the 
Columbia space shuttle, who perished this past weekend.
  On February 1, 2003, the country watched in horror as the space 
shuttle Columbia broke up over Texas. Astronauts have a special 
dedication to their jobs, community and fellow man. They go up into 
space to meet scientific challenges for all of us here on Earth, in 
spite of the risks. To do this, they train hard physically, mentally 
and emotionally--they are the consummate professionals. They are 
fearless men and women.
  Space shuttle mission STS-107 was the 28th flight of the shuttle 
Columbia, and the 113th shuttle mission to date. Its mission was to 
provide 70 international scientists access to both the environment of 
space, and set of seven human researchers for 16 days. The astronauts 
on board worked 24 hours a day in alternating shifts, to carry out 
important experiments in the areas of astronaut health and safety, 
advanced technology development and Earth and space sciences. The work 
the astronauts were doing included experiments to help further progress 
in combating prostate cancer, to develop techniques to improve 
efficiency of anti-cancer drugs, to strengthen construction techniques 
for structures in areas where earthquakes are common, testing 
technology to recycle water, and to improve crop yield.
  On February 1, 2003, we began the day awaiting the return of the 
Columbia shuttle. We could not wait to congratulate the crew of seven 
on their performances and achievements. These men and women made an 
excellent effort on this extremely important mission. They made America 
proud. We all held our breaths when we lost contact with the shuttle, 
and then watched in disbelief and horror when we saw the remnants of 
the shuttle over the skies of Texas.
  I support this Resolution, which reminds us all of what a difficult 
job astronauts have, and the sacrifices their families make. I am proud 
to honor the lives lost, as well as those who continue to work 
tirelessly and courageously, as well as their families. The prayers of 
the Nation are with our lost seven and their families.

                          ____________________