[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 906]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOSS OF ``COLUMBIA''

  (Mr. FEENEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, today we will pass a resolution honoring the 
great members of the Columbia crew and their sacrifice. As Lincoln 
reminded us at Gettysburg, such tributes are altogether fitting and 
proper. But also, as he observed, we can never fully consecrate times 
and places of sacrifice. That task is ultimately done by those making 
the sacrifice. Rather, we, the living, are tasked with taking increased 
devotion to the unfinished business for which the last full measure of 
devotion was given.
  Both NASA and the President have demonstrated such increased 
devotion. The NASA team entered the crucible of self-examination and 
emerged with strengthened resolve and will. The President has charted a 
course for a reinvigorated human space program, breaking out of low 
earth orbit, returning to the moon, and then exploring our solar 
system.
  I hope this House responds in kind. This resolution reassures the 
loved ones of the Columbia's crew that last year's loss will strengthen 
this Nation's resolve to continue the journey of discovery in space. In 
the weeks ahead, let us carry out this pledge of increased devotion.

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