    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [August 2, 2005]
    [Pages 1290-1291]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Telephone Remarks to the Crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery
    August 2, 2005

        The President. Commander Collins, can
    you hear me?
        Commander Eileen M. Collins. Yes, sir,
    we hear you loud and clear. Good morning.
        The President. Good morning. Thank you for taking my phone call. I
    just wanted to tell you all how proud the American people are of our
    astronauts. I want to thank you for being risktakers for the sake of
    exploration. I want to welcome our Japanese and Australian and Russian
    friends. And I wish you Godspeed in your mission. I know you've got very
    important work to do ahead of you. We look forward to seeing the
    successful completion of this mission. And obviously, as you prepare to
    come back, a lot of Americans will be praying for a safe return.
        So it's great talking to you. Thanks for being such great examples
    of courage for a lot of our fellow citizens.
        Commander Collins. Thank you very
    much, Mr. President. We want to tell you that we really enjoy what we're
    doing. We really believe in our mission, and we believe in space
    exploration and getting people off the planet and seeing what's out
    there. So the steps that we're taking right

    [[Page 1291]]

    now are really worth it, and we want everybody to know that. And thank
    you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to
    us.
        The President. Well, listen, I want to thank you,
    Commander, and thank your fellow
    astronauts there. I agree with you. I think what you're doing is really
    important. And you've got a strong supporter for your mission, here in
    the White House. I will tell you Laura went down
    and watched the launch in Florida with my little brother Jeb and came back all excited about the energy that--there on
    the east coast of Florida. But we're with you and wish you all the very
    best. Thanks for taking my phone call. Now get back to work.
        Commander Collins. Thank you very
    much, sir. We did fly over Texas today and had a good look at it. It was
    beautiful. Have a good day.
        The President. Thank you. [Laughter]

    Note: The President spoke at 10:23 a.m. from the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida.