[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 222 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
May 13, 2003.
Whereas on February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew of seven
heroic astronauts were lost in a tragic accident;
Whereas the breakup of Columbia scattered debris over a large area of Texas, as
well as Louisiana, Nevada, California, and possibly other States;
Whereas the Federal Emergency Management Agency was designated the lead agency
for directing other Federal agencies in the recovery of the Space
Shuttle Columbia debris;
Whereas personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, the United States Forest Service,
the Environmental Protection Agency, and other agencies assisted in the
recovery of the Columbia debris;
Whereas personnel from State and local agencies assisted in the recovery of the
Columbia debris;
Whereas many citizens, including National Aeronautics and Space Administration
contractor personnel from multiple States, volunteered their time to
assist in the recovery of the Columbia debris;
Whereas two searchers perished and three others were injured in a helicopter
crash while searching for Columbia debris;
Whereas citizens of eastern Texas offered their whole-hearted support, both
physical and emotional, to the debris search teams; and
Whereas the combined efforts of all of these individuals and organizations
resulted in the collection of more than seventy thousand pieces of
debris, far more than was originally thought possible, providing
accident investigators with vital evidence that will assist in
determining the cause of the accident: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives does offer its gratitude on
behalf of the American people to the thousands of individuals who worked
tirelessly to recover the Space Shuttle Columbia debris.
Attest:
Clerk.