[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[House]
[Pages 20740-20743]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING SPACE SHUTTLE COMMANDER EILEEN COLLINS, MISSION SPECIALIST 
   WENDY LAWRENCE, AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ALL OTHER WOMEN WHO HAVE 
                            WORKED WITH NASA

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res 450) recognizing Space Shuttle Commander Eileen 
Collins, Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, and the contributions of 
all other women who have worked with NASA following the successful 
mission of Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-114, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 450

       Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     was created in 1958 under President Eisenhower and has, since 
     then, accomplished great things in the fields of science, 
     technology, aeronautics, and aerospace exploration;
       Whereas women have worked since the 1960's for the right to 
     play a vital role in NASA's missions in outer space;
       Whereas after more than twenty years of waiting, the first 
     American woman, Sally Ride, flew in outer space in 1983 
     aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger;
       Whereas in 1984, Kathryn Sullivan became the first American 
     woman to perform a space walk aboard the Space Shuttle 
     Challenger during mission STS-41;
       Whereas in 1986, Christa McAuliffe, who was to be the first 
     teacher and civilian in space after being selected from 
     11,000 applicants, and Mission Specialist Judith Resnick, 
     were killed aboard the space shuttle Challenger just 73 
     seconds after lift-off during mission STS-51L;
       Whereas in 1992, Mae Jemison became the first African-
     American woman to fly in outer space aboard the Space Shuttle 
     Endeavor during mission STS-47;
       Whereas Shannon Lucid previously held the United States 
     record for the amount of time spent living and working in 
     space on a single mission aboard the Russian Mir space-
     station for over 6 months in 1996;
       Whereas in 1999, Eileen Collins became the first woman to 
     command a space mission when Space Shuttle Columbia deployed 
     the Chandra X-Ray Observatory;
       Whereas in 2003, Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla and 
     Laurel Clark were killed aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on 
     reentry during mission STS-107;
       Whereas we celebrate America's Return to Flight with Space 
     Shuttle Discovery's STS-114 mission, which Eileen Collins 
     commanded and on which Wendy Lawrence served as Mission 
     Specialist; and
       Whereas great strides have been made in the Space Shuttle 
     and International Space Station era to increase the number 
     and prominence of women serving in the NASA Astronaut Corp, 
     thereby giving us hope for the future of American women in 
     space, including Ellen Baker, Yvonne Cagle, Tracy Caldwell, 
     Kalpana Chawla, Laurel B. Clark, Mary Cleave, Catherine 
     Coleman, Eileen Collins, Nancy J. Currie, Jan Davis, Bonnie 
     Dunbar, Anna Fisher, Linda Godwin, Susan J. Helms, Joan 
     Higginbotham, Kathryn Hire, Marsha Ivins, Mae C. Jemison, 
     Tamara E. Jernigan, Janet Kavandi, Susan L. Kilrain, Wendy 
     Lawrence, Shannon Lucid, Sandra Magnus, Megan McArthur, 
     Pamela Melroy, Barbara Morgan, Lisa Nowak, Karen Nyberg, 
     Ellen Ochoa, Judith A. Resnik, Sally K. Ride, Patricia C. 
     Hilliard Robertson, Margaret Rhea Seddon, Heidemarie 
     Sefanyshyn-Piper, Nicole Scott, Kathryn C. Thornton, Janice 
     Voss, Mary E. Weber, Peggy Whitson, Sunita Williams, and 
     Stephanie Wilson: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes Space Shuttle Commander Eileen Collins, 
     Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, and the contributions of 
     all other women who have worked with the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration following the successful mission of 
     the Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-114; and
       (2) celebrates the many achievements of women in the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration and 
     congratulates Commander Collins and the rest of her crew.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Calvert) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Al Green) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).


                             General Leave

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res 450, the resolution 
under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. 
Maloney) for her insight into the contributions of women in the NASA 
community and to the success of our Nation's civil space program.
  House Resolution 450 goes a long way in recognizing the importance of 
women to our Nation's civil space program, from Commander Elaine 
Collins and Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence of the Discovery mission, 
to the other 40 women who have served in NASA's Astronaut Corps.
  To all of the women who offer ground support for the launches, these 
women in the sciences, our Nation offers a resounding thanks.
  Not all of those women are often in the spotlight, but they still 
serve as inspiring role models for all our daughters. What better way 
to have our children think they can be whatever they aspire to be than 
to have everyone share the opportunity to get a bite of the apple of 
success.
  In order for the United States to retain its global competitive edge, 
we need the contributions from all of our citizens. Since all advanced 
societies now depend on technology for their economic might, the new 
measure of that might are those graduates with degrees in science and 
engineering.
  The United States is slipping in this category. We are producing a 
shrinking share of the world's technological talent. China and India 
are the newest and strongest competitors. The last time the U.S. 
graduated more engineering and scientific Ph.D.s than Europe and three 
times as many as Asia was in 1975.
  These trends have reversed so now the European Union graduates about 
50 percent more Ph.D.s than the United States, and Asia is slightly 
ahead of the United States.
  At the current rate, China will probably overtake us by 2010. They 
have already produced nearly as many engineering graduates in a month 
as we do in a year. Outstanding role models inspire our young ladies to 
pursue a life of study and work in science and engineering.
  Seeing these women doing exciting important jobs in our space program 
is

[[Page 20741]]

the best way that I know to encourage our children to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank again the gentlewoman from New 
York (Mrs. Maloney) for her thoughtful legislation. I plan to support 
this important legislation when it comes to a vote and encourage all 
Members to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to yield such time 
as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise today to pay 
tribute to our female astronauts. These heroines are not only a source 
of pride for all Americans, but they have also inspired countless women 
to reach for the stars in their own lives and careers.
  The space program has long been one of the best examples of America's 
leadership role in the world. Our astronauts are daring, brilliant, and 
selfless, risking their lives for the sake of scientific discovery. But 
like our Nation itself, they were once divided along gender lines.
  Indeed, when NASA was created by President Eisenhower in 1958, there 
were no female astronauts. Of course, there were no women on the 
Supreme Court back then, and in Congress there was just one female 
Senator, and only 15 women serving in Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, we have come a long way in the last four decades. There 
are now 14 women Senators, 66 female Members of Congress, and at NASA 
women are not just along for the ride, they have assumed leadership 
roles in both the agency and on its missions, as we have seen by this 
fine work of Eileen Collins and Wendy Lawrence.
  I am especially delighted today to recognize the achievements of my 
fellow New Yorker, Eileen Collins from Elmira, New York, who in 1999 
became the first woman to command a space shuttle.
  In 2003, Ms. Collins again took to the reins of a space mission, 
providing steady guidance to the Space Shuttle Discovery during an 
incredibly difficult and perilous mission.
  Mr. Speaker, women have taken part in some of the greatest NASA 
missions, and some of the most heartbreaking too. Some of these women 
gave their lives for our country.
  As a former teacher, I remember feeling incredibly proud when my 
colleague, Christa McAuliffe, was selected from more than 11,000 
applicants to become the first civilian in space, the first teacher in 
space.
  Of course, we were all horrified when the Space Shuttle Challenger 
exploded 73 seconds after lift-off, cutting short the lives of Christa 
and the other brave astronauts who flew with her.
  The loss of the Challenger and, more recently, of the Space Shuttle 
Columbia were staggering blows to our country. But I know that our 
space program will rebound from these disasters, as it always has, with 
a new sense of purpose, stronger and more determined than ever.
  I also know that as we rebuild, American women will be leading the 
way, inspired by the sense of duty to our country and by the women who 
have come before them. Women like Sally Ride, the first woman in space; 
Kathryn Sullivan, the first American woman to perform a space walk; Mae 
Jeminson, the first African American woman astronaut; Shannon Lucid, 
who set a U.S. record for the most time living in space.
  Thanks to these pioneering women astronauts, the sky is the limit for 
women and girls in this final frontier.
  Today, we recognize the contribution of all of the women who work to 
realize the grand mission of NASA and who continue to contribute today.
  Mr. Speaker, today our country faces an increasingly severe shortage 
of qualified math, science, and engineering students and professionals 
to fill the high-tech jobs of tomorrow.
  Women have long been underrepresented in these fields, both in the 
workplace and in the classroom. It is essential to our economy, even to 
our national security, that we attract the best and the brightest to 
these fields.
  The number of girls and young women entering math, science, and 
engineering is growing and moving in the right direction. And in our 
universities and workplaces, we need to cultivate nondiscriminatory 
environments to further this momentum.
  NASA truly showcases the very best of what women can achieve and can 
contribute, and the fact that they can contribute equally. May the 
women pioneers we honor today inspire not only the astronauts, but the 
scientists, mathematicians, and engineers of tomorrow. I thank them for 
their wonderful contributions. I congratulate the entire team.
  Mr. Speaker, I submit for printing in the Record the names of 29 
current and 13 deceased or former female NASA astronauts.

       Ellen Baker, Yvonne Cagle, Tracy Caldwell, Kalpana Chawla, 
     Laurel B. Clark, Mary Cleave, Catherine Coleman, Eileen 
     Collins, Nancy J. Currie, Jan Davis, Bonnie Dunbar, Anna 
     Fisher, Linda Godwin, Susan J. Helms, Joan Higginbotham, 
     Kathryn Hire, Marsha Ivins, Mae C. Jemison, Tamara E. 
     Jernigan, Janet Kavandi, Susan L. Kilrain.
       Wendy Lawrence, Shannon Lucid, Sandra Magnus, Megan 
     McArthur, Pamela Melroy, Barbara Morgan, Lisa Nowak, Karen 
     Nyberg, Ellen Ochoa, Judith A. Resnik, Sally K. Ride, 
     Patricia C. Hilliard Robertson, Margaret Rhea Seddon, 
     Heidemarie Sefanyshyn-Piper, Nicole Scott, Kathryn C. 
     Thornton, Janice Voss, Mary E. Weber, Peggy Whitson, Sunita 
     Williams, and Stephanie Wilson.

                              {time}  1600

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Mrs. Schmidt).
  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time. I rise in favor of House Resolution 450, recognizing Shuttle 
Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, who are 
an inspiration to women everywhere. They serve as role models to young 
women and have succeeded in fields traditionally dominated by men.
  Their success is due in part to the hard work of trailblazing women 
who came before them. Elizabeth Black-
well, who was a resident of my native Cincinnati and the first American 
female medical doctor, once said: ``For what is done or learned by one 
class of women becomes, by virtue of their common womanhood, the 
property of all women.''
  When we think of great women astronauts, we must remember two from 
the Buckeye State.
  The first is Judith Resnick. She was born in Akron, graduated from 
Firestone High School, and earned her doctorate in electrical 
engineering before joining NASA. Judith died tragically aboard Space 
Shuttle Challenger.
  The second is Nancy J. Currie of Troy, Ohio, who graduated from Troy 
High School, earned a degree in biological science from Ohio State 
University, eventually earning a doctorate in engineering. She flew 
four successful missions between 1993 and 2002, and in 2003 Dr. Currie 
was selected to lead the Space Shuttle Program Safety and Mission 
Assurance Office.
  These women are outstanding in their field, outstanding by virtue of 
what they have accomplished, not because they are women. They succeeded 
in fields traditionally dominated by men and inspired young girls 
around the country to succeed in their footsteps. It is for these 
future female leaders that we must continue to push the envelope and 
recognize those who came before them.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 450, a 
resolution to honor the women of NASA for their hard work and 
dedication. In 360 B.C., the great philosopher Plato bemoaned that 
``nothing can be more absurd than the practice that prevails in our 
country of men and women not following the same pursuits with all their 
strengths and with one mind, for thus, the state instead of being whole 
is reduced to half.''
  It has been more than 2,000 years since Plato made this simple, 
commonsense observation. It has not been easy; but in the intervening 
centuries, women have proven time and time again that they can excel in 
any field they choose. Along the way, there have been many 
trailblazers: Barbara Jordan, the stateswoman; Marie Curie, the

[[Page 20742]]

scientist; Amelia Earhart, the pilot; Dr. Antonia Novello, the first 
woman and the first Hispanic Surgeon General.
  Today, we honor some new additions to this august list, the talented 
women of NASA's astronaut core. Commander Collins and Mission 
Specialist Lawrence performed flawlessly on their latest mission aboard 
Space Shuttle Discovery.
  They are but the latest examples of a long tradition of excellence 
among our female astronauts that stretches back over two decades to 
Sally Ride's historic mission as the first American female astronaut.
  These astronauts stand as inspirations to young women, not only in 
this country but around the globe, who look at them and understand that 
no dream is out of reach because they realize that they too can do what 
others have done.
  They should be very proud of their accomplishments.
  Of course, in praising the astronauts, we should not neglect the 
contributions of other women of NASA: the scientists, the engineers, 
the program managers, and all of the others who contribute to our space 
program.
  All of these talented women are trailblazers in their own right. I 
commend them for their hard work and the excellent example they set.
  I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York, not only for her 
initiative in introducing this most thoughtful resolution but also for 
helping make real Plato's ideal of equality of opportunity for all.
  I think it is a great resolution, and I urge its adoption.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of 
all women who have worked with NASA in preparing to launch the Space 
Shuttle Discovery.
  Women have made great strides in the space and aeronautics industry. 
The first African American woman in space was my good friend Dr. Mae 
Jemison. She served as the science mission specialist on STS-47 
Spacelab-J in 1992.
  In 1999, Mr. Speaker, we had another first: Eileen M. Collins was the 
first female commander of the space shuttle. Collins and her crew 
launched aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in July of 1999.
  My State of Texas has a strong focus in space and aeronautics as the 
home of the Johnson Space Center. I am especially proud of all the 
women who have made significant contributions to the space flight, and 
I honor their courage. Dr. Mary Ann Webber is another astronaut, who is 
now employed in my district at the University of Texas Southwest 
Medical School and working and encouraging young ladies now to think of 
a career of that sort.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Boehlert).
  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, what a pleasure it is to come to the 
floor, as I just left Colonel Eileen Collins and Wendy Lawrence and the 
rest of the STS-114 crew; and they are an inspiration to all of us, not 
just those of us in this Chamber but to people around the world.
  I stand today in support of the resolution offered by my colleague 
and good friend from the great State of New York (Mrs. Maloney).
  This resolution recognizes the valuable contributions that women have 
made at NASA and particularly praises those who played a role in the 
success of STS-114. The accomplishments of the STS crew are the result 
of a rich history of women in NASA. Long before STS-114 women like 
Sally Ride, the first American woman in space; Kathryn Sullivan, the 
first American woman to perform a space walk; Mae Jemison, the first 
African American in space; and Shannon Lucid, the previous American 
record holder for the length of time spent in space on a single 
mission, they pushed the boundaries of human space flight.
  Women have also paid a dear price in the name of human space flight. 
Christa McAuliffe, Judith Resnick, Kalpana Chawla, and Laurel Clark 
will always be remembered for their courage and heroism. And Eileen 
Collins and Wendy Lawrence and the rest of STS-114 crew stand on the 
shoulders of those great women who came before them, and this 
resolution rightly recognizes that fact.
  Once again, I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for 
introducing this important resolution, and I commend all of my 
colleagues for paying attention on the floor today to something that is 
really important, not just to today, but for generations to come.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the 
distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
gentleman for his support and advocation for NASA and its work. I thank 
the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Boehlert); and of course the ranking member, the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Gordon), for their leadership, along with the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Calvert), chairman of our subcommittee; and of 
course the ranking member, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall).
  I am especially appreciative that we would come today to acknowledge 
not only the leadership of women but also NASA's contributions to 
America. So I rise to speak as well to H. Res. 441 and H. Res. 446. I 
thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), who has been 
steadfast in reminding us of the importance of the involvement and the 
empowerment of women.
  Is it not exciting that we can rise today as the Discovery crew comes 
to the United States Capitol to be able to acknowledge that Colonel 
Eileen Collins was, in fact, the commander of this particular 
outstanding effort to return United States to space.
  One would wonder with Hurricane Katrina behind us and Hurricane Rita 
in front of us why we can stand before our colleagues to acknowledge 
the outstanding contributions of women to the safety and the 
advancement of humankind and Americans and as well that of NASA. And I 
say this: NASA equates to science and scientific discovery and 
advancement, and I am very proud to say that our lives have been made 
better by the contributions that NASA has made to society.
  We were told early on that the use of NASA technology could have 
predicted or maybe not predicted, foreseen, detected the tsunami. We 
know now that we have seen the constant repetitiveness of hurricanes 
that NASA will be a very strong partner in determining how we can 
better detect the coming of hurricanes and be more safe.
  So it is with great pride that I rise to thank Sally Ride, a neighbor 
in our community in Houston; Kathryn Sullivan; Christa McAuliffe, who 
lost her life in the earlier Challenger flight; and Judith Resnick; Mae 
Jemison, of course, who served as a role model for many, many young 
girls; Shannon Lucid; and of course Kalpana Chawla and Laurel Clark, 
who lost their lives in Columbia in the 2003 mission.
  But today we have a lot to celebrate because Eileen Collins and Wendy 
Lawrence were part of that great Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-114. With 
their leadership, we return to space; and I believe we return to the 
opportunities that space allows.
  I am always reminded, whenever we have the opportunity to salute what 
NASA does, to say that the research has generated successes in 
detection and cure of strokes, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, cancer. So we 
know that NASA is part of our society, and it has the ability to 
enhance our society.
  My congratulations to the Discovery crew, to the many women we honor 
today, such as Ellen Baker, Yvonne Cagle, Tracy Caldwell, Bonnie 
Dunbar, Anna Fisher, Marsha Ivins, Susan L. Kilrain, Wendy Lawrence, 
Ellen Ochoa, Judith A. Resnick who has passed of course, Sally K. Ride, 
Nicole Scott, and many, many others.
  It is for us to carry forth their dream by providing the support from 
the United States Congress but, more important, it is to announce that 
these women are leaders but also that NASA has laid the groundwork for 
this society and all around the world to be advanced to a better 
quality of life.

[[Page 20743]]

  My salute to NASA and to the fellow employees and as well to the 
leaders, women, who have taken us into space.
  I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H. Res 450 which congratulates 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Discovery 
crew. Let me offer my own personal congratulations to this brave crew 
who returned NASA to flight and made history in our Nation through the 
advancement of aeronautics.
  Being from the City of Houston, which is home to the Johnson Space 
Center, I take great pride in the accomplishments of NASA. I am proud 
to say that I was among the Congressional Delegation that was at Cape 
Canaveral for the anticipated launch. While the correct decision was 
made not to launch that day, this brave crew was able to successfully 
complete its mission. The launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery came 
more than 2 years after the tragic Columbia shuttle accident. The crew 
of the Discovery included astronauts Steve Robinson, Jim Kelly, Andy 
Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, Charlie Camarda, Eileen Collins and Soichi 
Noguchi. With implementation of the Columbia Accident Investigation 
Board recommendations completed, this crew of seven astronauts flew 
aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-114 to test new safety 
techniques and deliver needed supplies to the International Space 
Station. Two crewmembers, Steve Robinson and Soichi Noguchi, ventured 
outside the Shuttle three times on spacewalks. The first demonstrated 
repair techniques on the Shuttle's protective tiles, known as the 
Thermal Protection System. During the second spacewalk, they replaced a 
failed Control Moment Gyroscope, which helps keep the station oriented 
properly. Finally, they installed the External Stowage Platform, a sort 
of space shelf for holding spare parts during Station construction. 
STS-114 will also be the third trip of the Multi Purpose Logistics 
Module (MPLM) named Raffaello to the Station. It's essentially a 
``moving van'' that transports supplies to the orbital outpost.
  I have consistently stated that since the Columbia shuttle accident, 
safety must be our number one priority. All Americans can look proudly 
upon the achievements of our space exploration when they look upon the 
crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery.
  Truly, we as a Nation have come a long way in the area of space 
exploration since President John F. Kennedy set the course for our 
Nation when he stated in a speech at Rice University in 1962: ``We set 
sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained, and 
new rights to be won, and they must be won and used for the progress of 
all people. For space science, like nuclear science and technology, has 
no conscience of its own. Whether it will become a force for good or 
ill depends on man, and only if the United States occupies a position 
of preeminence can we help decide whether this new ocean will be a sea 
of peace or a new terrifying theater of war . . . The great British 
explorer George Mallory, who was to die on Mount Everest, was asked why 
did he want to climb it. He said because it is there. Well, space is 
there, and we're going to climb it. And the moon and the planets are 
there. And new hopes for knowledge and peace are there. And therefore, 
as we set sail, we ask God's blessing, on the most hazardous, and 
dangerous, and greatest adventure, on which man has ever embarked.'' 
Our Nation has seen great tragedy and yet we continue to move forward 
because that is the only path that knowledge will accept; truly it is 
appropriate that this shuttle was named Discovery.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud 
cosponsor of H. Res. 450 which recognizes Space Shuttle Commander 
Eileen Collins, Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, and the 
contributions of all other women who have worked with NASA following 
the successful mission of Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-114. Let me 
offer my own personal congratulations to these women who have not only 
advanced the cause of aeronautics through their work, but also they 
have advanced the cause of women through their determination.
  Let me take a moment to recognize Commander Eileen Collins who 
successfully returned NASA to flight. LTC Eileen Marie Collins was born 
in Elmira, New York on November 19, 1956. As a child, Eileen dreamed 
about space and of becoming a pilot. Her parents often took her to the 
airport to watch the planes take off and land. The Collins family 
wanted Eileen to attend college, but did not have the money to send 
her. After high school, she attended Corning Community College. While 
there, she studied hard to earn a two-year scholarship to Syracuse 
University. In 1978 Eileen Collins graduated with a bachelor of arts 
degree in mathematics and economics from Syracuse University. Later, 
she went on to earn a master of science degree in operations research 
from Stanford University and a master of arts degree in space systems 
management from Webster University.
  In 1979, LTC Collins graduated from Air Force Undergraduate Pilot 
Training at Vance Air Force Base. In 1990, while attending the Air 
Force Test Pilot School, she was selected for the astronaut program. 
Eileen Collins became an astronaut in July 1991 and the first woman to 
pilot the Space Shuttle on February 2, 1995. She made history once 
again in 1999. On July 23 LTC Collins became the first woman to command 
a Space Shuttle mission. Eileen Collins is also a wife and mother, but 
on top of all these titles and distinctions, she is an inspiration for 
many women throughout the world.
  I also want to take a moment to recognize CAPT Wendy B. Lawrence who 
served as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Discovery. CAPT 
Lawrence is a native of Jacksonville and has flown on four missions to 
space. Lawrence graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981 with a 
degree in Ocean Engineering. She went on to earn a master of science 
degree in Ocean Engineering from M.I.T. in 1988. Her mission aboard 
Discovery was to transfer payloads back and forth from the 
International Space Station using the robotic arm. She's made history, 
too. She was one of the first two female helicopter pilots to make a 
long deployment to the Indian Ocean as part of a carrier battle group 
while stationed at Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six. Clearly, she 
made history again when the Shuttle Discovery returned NASA to flight.
  Both these women deserve great recognition for their work aboard the 
Shuttle Discovery and their lifetime of service to our Nation. Truly, 
many women from Sally Ride to Mae Jemison have made great strides to 
get to this day when a woman can command a space shuttle. To paraphrase 
a historic statement once made from the moon: `This is one small step 
for women and one giant leap for womenkind.'
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 450, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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