Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to the families of the crew of the space shuttle Columbia, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, let me express my appreciation to the leadership for bringing this forth and to say how important it is that we take the time to give recognition to those heroic persons who did lose their lives. I am very certain, however, that they did not lose their lives in vain.

This space exploration research program has been one of the most successful research programs in the history of this country, and I know that we will investigate well to see what happened and improve upon it.

I also know that, over 40 years ago, the foresight of persons that came along before us caused us to get into this type of research. We also owe those leaders some homage for their foresight, and I am hoping that we will then have the foresight to continue this type of research.

The scientific technological advances made possible by space research include much: arteriosclerosis detection, ultrasound scanners, the automatic insulin pump, portable X-ray devices, invisible braces, dental arch wire, palate surgery technology, clean room apparel, implantable heart aid, the MRI, the bone analyzer and the cataract surgery tools and on and on, the digital imaging breast biopsy system.

So many, many lives have been saved because we have lost a few in trying.

The life-saving light that saves lives through the application of lighting technology initially developed for plant growth experiments on space shuttle missions. The doctors at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee use light-emitting diodes in a treatment called photodynamic therapy, a form of chemotherapy to treat brain tumors in children and aid significantly in wound-healing treatment.

A consumer product, the toy for tots, many, many toys have been made because of that, that has increased the economy, and I could go on, with the artificial heart device known as the miniaturized ventricular assist pump. The vehicle tracking system, and many of us drive cars that have the night-extended sight vision, came from space exploration.

Mr. Speaker, I will end by simply saying the best way to show our appreciation for these heroes is to continue this research and be a visionary for the future. Without vision, we perish.

Human space exploration is inherently risky. Distance, speed and an environment that can not support human life combine to make human space flights particularly precarious.

Unfortunately the world has new evidence of the dangers associated with space exploration. Millions watched as images of a singular, brilliant point of light in the sky became two, three, and four points of light as Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart over my home State of Texas.

I join the rest of the country and the world in mourning the seven brave astronauts whom we lost in this national tragedy. The outpouring of sympathy from the citizens of the world is recognition that the crew heroically put their lives on the line in the name of science and research.

More than a decade ago, January 28th, 1986, our country's space program was dealt another tragedy as we lost the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger. The findings of the ``Report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident'' (referred to as the Rogers' Commission Report) have changed NASA procedures to make human space flight safer. It is incumbent upon the federal government to conduct a vigorous and comprehensive investigation to uncover and alleviate the events that led to Columbia accident.

I pledge to do what I can to help our space program recover from this terrible setback so these important endeavors can flourish in the future. As a Senior member of the Science Committee, I will work closely with my House colleagues to assist NASA and Harold Gehman Jr. who will lead the special investigative commission.

I am the ranking member of the Science Subcommittee on Basic Research. In this important capacity, I have taken a major leadership role regarding America's commitment to technological development and scientific research and application. As such, I am a firm believer that the United States will continue our space program that has accomplished so much in the areas of research and science.

This important and beneficial program is essential to advancing technology.

Specific technological advances made possible by space research include the arteriosclerosis detection, ultrasound scanners, automatic insulin pump, portable x-ray device, invisible braces, dental arch wire, palate surgery technology, clean room apparel, implantable heart aid, MRI, bone analyzer, and cataract surgery tools.

The Space Shuttle Program has yielded many lifesaving medical tests, accessibility advances for the physically challenged, and products that make our lives more safe and enjoyable. Such as:

The Digital Imaging Breast Biopsy System developed from Space Telescope technology incorporates the advanced Charged Coupled Devise, a high tech silicon chip, used as part of a digital camera system that sees the breast structure with x-ray vision. The CCD images breast tissue more clearly and efficiently through a procedure known as stereotactic core then-needle biopsy.

With the help of companies like FIDE and LORAD, this procedure provides patient with non-invasive procedure which reduces pain, scarring, radiation exposure, time and cost. The Space Shuttle was the vehicle used to assist in the space telescope repair mission and development of the technology.

Lifesaving Light Saves Lives through application of a special lighting technology initially developed for plant growth experiments on Space Shuttle missions. Doctors at University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee use light emitting diodes in a treatment called photodynamic therapy, a form of chemotherapy, to treat brain tumors in children and aid significantly in would healing treatment.

A Consumer Product Toy for Tots was developed using NASA wind-tunnel and aerodynamic expertise from the Space Shuttle program. Hasbro, Inc. improved the flying distances and loop-to-loop stunts for its toy gliders designed for a child to fly.

Public Safety takes a Byte out of Crime using image processing technology initially used to analyze Space Shuttle launch video and study meteorological images. This Space Shuttle mission technology helps law enforcement agencies improve crime solving videos.

An Artificial Heart device known as the miniaturized ventricular assist pump, developed by NASA and renowned heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey, was derived from technology used in Space Shuttle fuel pumps. The tiny pump--2 inches long, 1 inch in diameter and weighing less than four ounces has been successfully implanted into more than 20 patients.

A Vehicle Tracking System tracks information originally used onboard Space Shuttle missions now helps track vehicles on Earth. This commercial spinoff allows vehicles to transmit a signal back to a home base. Municipalities today use the software to track and reassign emergency and public works vehicles. It also is used by vehicle fleet operations, such as taxis, armored cars and vehicles carrying hazardous cargo.

As witnessed, the Space Shuttle can be configured to carry many different types of equipment and scientific experiments. The Space Shuttle is essential in the assembly of the International Space Station (advancing life sciences & technology through long-duration missions) and repairing and servicing the Hubble Space Telescope (enabling many new discoveries in Space Science).

As an enabling function, the Space Shuttle is fully engaged in providing services for earth and physical science research. The Space Shuttle also engages the private sector in the development of space by providing flight opportunities for industry, academia and government to conduct applied research relevant to NASA's mission through access to the space environment. I will foresee that cooperative activities with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense (DoD) and other U.S. agencies will continue to advance knowledge of health, medicine, science and technology.

STS-107, which was lost on February 1, 2003, was a 16-day mission dedicated to research in physical, life, and space sciences, conducted in approximately 80 separate experiments, comprised of hundreds of samples and test points. With two Americans and a Russian still stationed at the International Space Station, it is imperative that this program not come to a halt. This most unfortunate and tragic loss of five men and two women, representing a mosaic of races and nationalities, will be mourned and these great American heroes will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, human space exploration is inherently risky. Distance, speed and an environment that can not support human life combine to make human space flights particularly precarious.

Unfortunately the world has new evidence of the dangers associated with space exploration. Millions watched as images of a singular, brilliant point of light in the sky became two, three, and four points of light as space shuttle Columbia broke apart over my home State of Texas.

I join the rest of the country and the world in mourning the seven brave astronauts whom we lost in this national tragedy. The outpouring of sympathy from the citizens of the world is recognition that the crew heroically put their lives on the line in the name of science and research.

More than a decade ago, January 28th, 1986, our country's space program was dealt another tragedy as we lost the crew of the space shuttle Challenger. The findings of the ``Report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident'' (referred to as the Rogers' Commission Report) have changed NASA procedures to make human space flight safe. It is incumbent upon the federal government to conduct a vigorous and comprehensive investigation to uncover and alleviate the events that led to Columbia's accident. I pledge to do what I can to help our space program recover from this terrible setback so these important endeavors can flourish in the future. As a Senior member of the Science Committee, I will work closely with my House colleagues to assist NASA and Harold Gehman Jr. who will lead the special investigative commission.

I am the ranking member of the Science Subcommittee on Basic Research. In this important capacity, I have taken a major leadership role regarding America's commitment to technological development and scientific research and application. As such, I am a firm believer that the United States will continue our space program that has accomplished so much in the areas of research and science. This important and beneficial program is essential to advancing technology.

Specific technological advances made possible by space research include the arteriosclerosis detection, ultrasound scanners, automatic insulin pump, portable x-ray device, invisible braces, dental arch wire, palate surgery technology, clean room apparel, implantable heart aid, MRI, bone analyzer, and cataract surgery tools.

The Space Shuttle Program has yielded many lifesaving medical tests, accessibility advances for the physically challenged, and products that make our lives more safe and enjoyable. Such as:

Digital Imaging Breast Biopsy System--The LORAD Stereo Guide Breast Biopsy system incorporates advanced Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) as part of a digital camera system. The resulting device images breast tissue more clearly and efficiently. Known as stereotactic large-core needle biopsy, this nonsurgical system developed with Space Telescope Technology is less traumatic and greatly reduces the pain, scarring, radiation exposure, time, and costs associated with invasive surgical biopsies.

Breast Cancer Detection--A solar cell sensor is positioned directly beneath x-ray film, and determines exactly when film has received sufficient radiation and has been exposed to optimum density. Associated electronic equipment then sends a signal to cut off the x- ray source. Reduction of mammography x-ray exposure reduces radiation hazard and doubles the number of patient exams per machine.

Laser Angioplasty--Laser angioplasty with a ``cool'' type of laser, caller an excimer laser, does not damage blood vessel walls and offers precise non-surgical cleaning of clogged arteries with extraordinary precision and fewer complications than in balloon angioplasty.

Blood Serum Research--An astronaut's body, once free of gravity's pull, experiences a redistribution of body fluids that can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and produce a form of space anemia. Monitoring and evaluating blood serum was required to understand these phenomena. However, existing blood-analysis technology required the use of a centrifugation technology that was not practical in space. NASA developed new technologies for the collection and real- time analysis of blood as well as other bodily fluids without the need for centrifugation.

Ultrasound Skin Damage Assessment--Advanced instrument using NASA ultrasound technology enables immediate assessment of burn damage depth, improving patient treatment, and may save lives in serious burn cases.

Lifesaving Light--Special lighting technology developed for plant- growth experiments on Space Shuttle missions is now used to treat brain tumors in children. Doctors at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee use light-emitting diodes in a treatment called photodynamic therapy, a form of chemotherapy, to kill cancerous tumors.

Human Tissue Stimulator--Employing NASA satellite technology, the device is implanted in the body to help patient control chronic pain and involuntary motion disorders through electrical stimulation of targeted nerve centers or particular areas of the brain.

3-D Biotechnology--Developed for Space Shuttle medical research, a rotating cell-culture device simulates the microgravity of space. This allows researchers to grow cells in three dimensions. The device may one day help researchers find cures for dangerous infectious diseases and offer alternatives to patients who need organ transplant surgery.

Cool Suit--Custom-made suit derived from space suits circulates coolant through tubes to lower patient's body temperature, producing dramatic improvement of symptoms of multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other conditions.

Programmable Pacemaker--Incorporating multiple NASA technologies, the system consists of the implant and a physician's computer console containing the programming and a data printer. Communicates through wireless telemetry signals.

Ocular Screening--NASA image processing techniques are used to detect eye problems in very young children. An electronic flash from a 35- millimeter camera sends light into the child's eyes, and a photorefractor analyzes the retinal reflexes, producing an image of each eye.

Automated Urinalysis--NASA fluid dynamics studies helped development of system that automatically extracts and transfers sediment from urine sample to an analyzer microscope, replacing the manual centrifuge method.

Medical Gas Analyzer--Astronaut-monitoring technology used to develop system to monitor operating rooms for analysis of anesthetic gasses and measurement of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen concentrations to assure proper breathing environment for surgery patients.

Voice-Controlled Wheelchair--NASA teleoperator and robot technology used to develop chair and manipulator that respond to 35 one-word voice commands utilizing a minicomputer to help patient perform daily tasks, like picking up packages, opening doors, and turning on appliances.

Land Mine Removal--The same rocket fuel that helps launch the Space Shuttle is now being used to save lives--by destroying land mines. A flare device, using leftover fuel donated by NASA, is placed next to the uncovered land mine and is ignited from a safe distance using a battery-triggered electric match. The explosive burns away, disabling the mine and rendering it harmless.

Rescue 911--Rescue squads have a new extrication tool to help remove accident victims from wrecked vehicles. The hand-held device requires no auxiliary power systems or cumbersome hoses and is 70 percent cheaper than previous rescue equipment. The cutter uses a miniature version of the explosive charges that separate devices on the Space Shuttle.

Byte Out of Crime--Image-processing technology used to analyze Space Shuttle launch videos and to study meteorological images also helps law enforcement agencies improve crime-solving videos. The technology removes defects due to image jitter, image rotation and image zoom in video sequences. The technology also may be useful for medical imaging, scientific applications and home video.

Product Labeling--NASA needs to identify, track, and keep records on each of the thousands of heat-shield tiles on the Space Shuttle. This required a labeling system that could be put on ceramic material and withstand the rigors of space travel to be readable after a flight. NASA developed high data-density, two-dimensional, machine-readable symbol technology used to mark individual tiles. This novel method of labeling products with invisible and virtually indestructible markings can be used on electronic parts, pharmaceuticals and livestock--in fact on just about anything.

Keep Cool Under Fire--Materials from the Space Shuttle thermal protection system are used on NASCAR racing cars to protect drivers from the extreme heat generated by the engines. This same material is also used to protect firefighters.

Fire Resistant Foam--A unique foam developed for Space Shuttle thermal insulation and packing is now being used as thermal and acoustical insulation in aerospace, marine and industrial products. Since it's also fire resistant, it's being used as well for fire barriers, packaging and other applications requiring either high- temperature or very low-temperature insulation in critical environments. For example, use of these foam products by airframe manufacturers such as Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, and Airbus provides major weight savings, while retaining good thermal and acoustical properties in the various products.

Fire Sighting--A sensitive, gas infrared camera, used by NASA observers to monitor

the blazing plumes from the Space Shuttle's solid rocket boosters is also capable of scanning for fires. Firefighters use this hand-held camera to pinpoint the hotspots of wildfires that rage out of control. Gem Jewelers no longer have to worry about inhaling dangerous asbestos fibers from the blocks they use as soldering bases. Space Shuttle heat- shield tiles offer jewelers a safer soldering base with temperature resistance far beyond the 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit generated by the jeweler's torch.

Jet Stripping--NASA developed a tool that uses powerful jet streams of water to strip paint and primer from the Space Shuttle's solid rocket boosters. A commercial version of this water jet is now used to treat turbine-engine components, airframe components, large aerospace hardware, ships and other mechanical devices, using only pure water. No hazardous chemicals are needed.

Quick Fit Fasterners--Fastening items in space is a difficult task. A Virginia company developed a fastener that can be pushed on, rather than turned. These quick-connect fasteners are flexible and strong, and have been used by NASA astronauts since 1989. The product is now in use by firefighters and nuclear power-plant repair technicians, and has other commercial applications.

Computer Joysticks--Computer games can now be played with all the precision and sensitivity needed for a safe and soft Space Shuttle touchdown. A game-controlling joystick for personal computer-based entertainment systems was modeled after controls used in shuttle simulators. Astronauts used the joystick to practice runway landings and orbit maneuvering.

Toys For Tots--Already successful with its Nerf toy products, Hasbro, Inc. wanted to design a toy glider that a child could fly. Benefitting from NASA wind-tunnel and aerodynamic expertise used in the Space Shuttle program, Hasbro improved the flying distances and loop-to-loop stunts of its toy gliders.

As witnessed, the Space Shuttle can be configured to carry many different types of equipment, spacecraft and scientific experiments. The Space Shuttle is essential in the assembly of the International Space Station (advancing life sciences & technology through long- duration missions) and repairing and servicing the Hubble Space Telescope (enabling many new discoveries in Space Science). As an enabling function, the Space Shuttle is fully engaged in providing services for earth and physical science research. The Space Shuttle also engages the private sector in the development of space by providing flight opportunities for industry, academia and government to conduct applied research relevant to NASA's mission through access to the space environment. I will foresee that cooperative activities with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense (DoD) and other U.S. agencies will continue to advance knowledge of health, medicine, science and technology.

STS-107, which was lost on February 1, 2003, was a 16-day mission dedicated to research in physical, life, and space sciences, conducted in approximately 80 separate experiments, comprised of hundreds of samples and test points. With two Americans and a Russian still stationed at the International Space Station, it is imperative that this program not come to a halt. This most unfortunate and tragic loss of five men and two women, representing a mosaic of races and nationalities, will be mourned and these great American heroes will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 11 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, today we mourn the life of seven heroes, the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia: Rick Husband, William McCool, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Michael Anderson, Laurel Clark, and Ilan Ramon.

These heroes are now departed from us, and they find their place in the memory and the hearts of all Americans who are grateful to them and grateful to the others who have given their lives to make sure that our country and all humankind advances into this next frontier and conquers the next frontier of space. There are casualties in the conquest of every frontier, and this is no exception.

Just as our heroes of the past frontiers are remembered and honored by this country, we will, once the space frontier is conquered, look back on these pioneers, and we will remember them on the honor roll of heroes.

The Columbia reminds me a bit of another vessel, another American vessel from 200 years ago, the good ship Columbia. Americans were always known as the leaders in transportation, whether it was railroad transportation or, before that, ship transportation; and we had some of the mightiest and most impressive ships on the oceans and one of those ships was the good ship Columbia.

Americans were so proud of the good ship Columbia that one of our first patriotic songs dealt with our pride in that ship, and that song went as follows, and every American knew these

words and sang this song 150 years ago: ``O, Columbia, the gem of the ocean, the home of the brave and the free, the shrine of each patriot's devotion, a world offers homage to thee.''

And, yes, today our thoughts go to the crew of the Columbia, another magnificent vessel that charted unknown waters, carried Americans and, yes, carried the admiration of the entire world.

I think one of the things that I have gleaned from this tragedy is just how much the American people associated themselves and identified with America's space program. Yesterday, as we went to Texas, it was not so much the ceremony that I remember as it was the people of Texas and how they took this tragedy personally. As we rode in our congressional buses to and fro to that ceremony of remembrance and dedication at which the President spoke, the people of Texas lined the roads and the streets. Little children were waving American flags. People would rush out of their houses as we drove by with their flags and little signs of support and encouragement.

I believe that if there is anything we can be grateful for when Columbia went down, it went down over friendly territory. It went down over Texas, where the people of that State feel so strongly about the space program and about their country.

I am proud to say that my constituents and others in California have had a long association with the space program as well, and we are just as proud of the achievements. But, yesterday, it touched my heart that the people of Texas were reaching out to us and to the families.

The Columbia tragedy has not diminished the commitment of the people of Texas nor the commitment of the people of the United States towards space exploration and space utilization. Our space program must and will go forward because the American people remain as committed today as they were last week, and today we have seven heroes to give us inspiration.

The American people over the last few years have been lulled into a false sense of security about space travel. We always considered the astronauts our heroes. Children would come out to see astronauts, but most Americans felt that manned flight into space was far less risky than it really is. They have been lulled into this false sense of security because NASA has been doing one terrific job and our astronauts have been doing one terrific job and our aerospace industry has been doing one terrific job. But it is still the riskiest of propositions.

I was in the White House in 1986 when the Challenger blew up, and I will never forget that day. We did what? We regrouped, we found what was wrong, we found the flaws, and we moved forward after correcting those flaws. Since then, once again, the American people came to believe space travel was routine. Well, pioneering a new frontier is never routine. The Space Shuttle Columbia's crew understood that. They knew the risks that they were taking.

Today we mourn; this week we mourn; but in the future we move on and up. Although we hope that the shuttle will fly again, this country is now committed to a space program, yes, that will remember the shuttle system and be grateful for how efficient and what a magnificent system it was, but we now know we must invest in the technology that will move us beyond our dependency on this now old system that should not be allowed to become even older and us rely on it even longer. But does that mean we will in some way diminish our commitment to space? I do not think so.

When we look back over the years of what the space program has meant to our lives, the benefits are beyond imagination.

I remember as a young boy that I was able to talk to my grandparents perhaps once a month. I did not come from a wealthy family. Those telephone calls were scratchy, and they were expensive. Young people did not have the same contact then as they do with their grandparents today. I think it was $5 a minute back in those days when $5 was enormous. Today, thanks to our investment in space, thanks to the space program, people can talk to their families who are in the far reaches of the world every day, and it is affordable, and it has increased the quality of life in our country dramatically in this level of caring between people because space has permitted us better communication between each other.

What about entertainment and television? We have now before us a plethora of options in which to take up our time because we have assets in space that are offering us communication skills that are not only used for entertainment but are used in the medical field to educate people in far-off countries how to conduct operations and also provide communications with schools throughout the world.

The GPS system is a navigational system, and it would be unthinkable for us to not use our space-based assets for navigation purposes, something that has saved countless lives in giving us precise navigation that has saved hundreds, if not thousands, of those seeking transportation.

And what about the weather and the fact that today we know when storms are coming? Again, thousands of lives have been saved because of our investment in space assets. We can predict where a hurricane will go or a tornado will strike, and we can prepare for it and save those lives, not to mention the billions of dollars saved by predicting weather trends in the industry of agriculture.

Mr. Speaker, what about our national security? It was our lead in space, indeed the space shuttle itself created the impression for the communists who led the Soviet Union that they could not compete with us and broke down their will and eventually caused a disintegration of their power base in Russia, which has left the world a much safer place.

We have invested also in a defense system in space, a missile defense system that even today will permit us not to be so terrorized by a possibility of a government in North Korea that is developing nuclear weapons because we have assets in space that will permit us perhaps to defend ourselves against that potential threat. So we have invested in space, and also it has saved us billions and billions of dollars and thousands and thousands of lives. It was the space pioneers like those on the Challenger and on the shuttle that have already given us these tremendous benefits, but we have only scratched the surface of what space can do to uplift the condition of humankind.

No, we will not be deterred by this tragedy. We will instead correct the flaws where they have been found and move on. We will move on and we will move upward. Will we continue? Will we Americans continue to move forward? Will there be another ``Good Ship Columbia'' someday charting the unknown waters or the unknown skies? You bet there will be. We remember and we will be grateful in those days to the crew of this ship Columbia as we were to the pioneers of generations past.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon), who has spent so much time and effort since he has been in Congress on issues of space and has diligently worked as a member of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics of the Committee on Science.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) who has been deeply involved in technology issues during his long tenure here in Congress and a strong supporter of the space program.

(Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence), a young and vibrant Member of the House who has been very active in the last few years on technology issues.

(Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Nethercutt), who has been an active member of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics and very involved over the years in technology development for the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite), a freshman from Tampa who specializes in seniors issues, but is very concerned and very supportive of America's space program.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary and former chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics and chairman of the full Committee on Science.

Mr. Speaker, we have no more speakers. I will be closing the discussion.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the conquests of the frontier and the development of new technology is how we have defined ourselves as Americans from the clipper ships to the railroads to heavier-than-air flight, which was, by the way, established only 100 years ago this year by two American bicycle shop owners. One hundred years of heavier-than-air flight, and now we are engaged in the conquest of outerspace.

As man ascended into the air after the Wright Brothers successfully accomplished the first flight, many lives were lost in the historic task of creating the technology that now enables us to circumvent the world and has brought every person in the world together.

Now, as in the early stages of the engineering and development of technology that provided us with this conquest of the air, we are engaged in the development of engineering and technology that will move us into the heavens, into space. But there is a price to pay as America moves forward with technology and as America moves forward in the conquest of this last frontier.

Space pioneers, as those on the shuttles Challenger and Columbia, are those who take the greatest risk and have paid the heaviest price. That is why they are heroes. They risk their lives to lift all of humankind. It was over 20 years ago in 1981 when I first worked with President Ronald Reagan on his remarks when he met the first astronauts off of a space shuttle to return from that very first shuttle flight back in 1981. There he was in the Mojave Desert waiting to welcome our astronauts from the first shuttle flight.

The shuttle had proved itself to be a historic accomplishment, an inspiration to the American people; and in those days we needed inspiration. It helped lift our spirits as we saw it ascend to space and then land in California. The first shuttle, of course, that shuttle that landed was the Space Shuttle Columbia. Over the years it did a tremendous service for our country and for the world, as did all those astronauts that used and were on the Space Shuttle Columbia and the other shuttles.

As we mourn the loss of our astronaut heroes today, let us pledge to keep moving forward in their memory. Let us pledge to move forward with confidence that some day just as there was a Good Ship Columbia, which was the Columbia, the gem of the ocean that gave us such pride, just as there was the Space Shuttle Columbia that lifted our spirits and has given us such pride over these last 20 years, there will again be a transportation system named after Columbia, perhaps after this Columbia. And it will inspire Americans and the whole world in the future as it will lift us to new heights and new accomplishments in the area of science and in the conquests of those frontiers that lie ahead.

As we move forward today, we mourn this loss. We ask that the families understand that the sacrifice that their family members, that these astronauts have made is deeply appreciated by all of us here in Congress, by all of the American people, and by all of the people throughout the world. They have done well by America. We are grateful that they have lived and given their lives for us, and now we will move forward as is the task of all generations of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green), and I also thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson) and offer to his constituents my sincerest sympathy. We are neighbors in Texas, and we are friends. My District borders up against the Ninth Congressional District, and we have the opportunity as well to share our concern about NASA on the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.

To the chairman, I thank him very much for his leadership and the comfort he gave us as he attended the memorial service yesterday, and I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), the leader of the House, and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the minority leader, for giving us this opportunity to pay tribute and as well giving a tribute to these fine and wonderful heroes.

If I might, I think it is important to individually call their names on the floor of the House. So I call them with humbleness and honor. Rick Husband, commander; Kalpana Chawla, mission specialist; Laurel Clark, mission specialist; Ilan Ramon, payload specialist; William McCool, pilot; David Brown, mission specialist; and Michael Anderson, payload commander.

Each and every one of them, heroes and patriots, the seven astronauts whose lives were lost aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia were truly extraordinary people. To the world, these astronauts were valiant heroes. To those of us in Houston, they were also friends and neighbors. They were integral members of the community, and they paid the ultimate price to further a mission that benefitted all of humanity. To their families and friends and also to their neighbors and the community, they represented a very special group of people. To this Nation, they were extremely special.

And certainly we want to acknowledge the fact that this was an extremely diverse group of individuals. The courageous astronauts aboard the Columbia were individuals of the highest caliber, always striving for excellence, exemplifying the most noble of traits. They were skilled professionals, scientists, clinicians, adventurers, family men and women. The crew represented the diversity of our Nation. The crew even included a friend from Israel and a native daughter of India, the embodiment of the international goals of peace and cooperation. It is almost unbelievable that the Wright brothers set us on this pace and we have taken it further.

I join my colleagues and say we may have gone to the Moon, but we must go to Mars and continue to explore the universe. It was President Kennedy who in 1962 in Houston, our hometown, said these words: ``This generation does not intend to founder in the backwash of the coming age of space. We mean to be a part of it. We mean to lead it. For the eyes of the world now look into space, to the moon and to the planets beyond, and we have vowed that we shall not see it governed by a hostile flag of conquest but by a banner of freedom and peace. We have vowed that we shall not see space filled with weapons of mass destruction but with instruments of knowledge and understanding.''

It is extremely important to honor these very brave and wonderful souls, and that is why yesterday I joined and offered legislation to put forward a congressional gold medal for the seven patriots and seven heroes that have fallen, along with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson). It is in this way I hope that we will remember them,

and we will always pay tribute to these wonderful and outstanding heroes of our world.

Mr. Speaker, the seven astronauts whose lives were lost aboard the space shuttle Columbia were truly extraordinary people. To the world those astronauts were valiant heroes; to those of us in Houston, they were also friends, neighbors, and family. They were integral members of the community, and they paid the ultimate price to further a mission that benefited all of humanity. To their families and friends, and also to the Israeli and Indian communities who lost a native son and daughter, I send my most heart-felt sympathies and condolences.

The courageous astronauts aboard the Columbia were individuals of the highest caliber, always striving for excellence, and exemplifying the most noble of human traits. They were skilled professionals, scientists, clinicians, adventurers, and family men and women. The crew represented the diversity of our Nation. The crew even included a friend from Israel, and a native daughter of India the embodiment of the international goals of peace and cooperation.

It is almost unbelievable that less than one century after the Wright Brothers made that first 12-second flight over the sandy dunes of North Carolina, that our astronauts would be making excursions into space seem almost routine. But these excursions are anything but routine. Every moment from liftoff to touchdown, is a spectacular achievement of human intellect and determination.

The Columbia crew took great risks and made the ultimate sacrifice to further the mission of NASA. Why take such a risk? I believe President Kennedy said it well in 1962 in my hometown of Houston, when declaring his commitment to putting a man on the Moon by the end of that decade. He said,

``This generation does not intend to founder in the backwash of the coming age of space. We mean to be a part of it--we mean to lead it. For the eyes of the world now look into space, to the Moon and to the planets beyond, and we have vowed that we shall not see it governed by a hostile flag of conquest, but by a banner of freedom and peace. We have vowed that we shall not see space filled with weapons of mass destruction, but with instruments of knowledge and understanding.''

I believe that President Kennedy would have been proud to see the fantastic progress of the program that he so inspired that day. Today, NASA provides insights into the origins, destiny, and wonder of the universe and is a source of dreams for young and old alike. It has pushed the envelope of human existence, and given us glimpses of the far reaches of the galaxy that truly take our breaths away.

The seven courageous explorers aboard the Columbia paid the ultimate price to improve our understanding of the universe, to advance our medical and engineering sciences, and to make the nation safer and more secure. Before the Columbia started its tragic descent, the shuttle crew completed some 80 scientific experiments. Much of their research data had already been relayed to Houston where it has added to the pool of scientific knowledge.

Beyond the technological benefits of space exploration, those courageous pioneers also inspired the youth of America in a way that only manned space missions can. The majesty and adventure of seeing people traversing the heavens sparks the natural curiosity and imagination of young people. It nudges some toward science and math and pushes all to strive for excellence. Seeing a team, like that on the Columbia, working and playing together inspires young engineers, scientists, and all sorts of people who want to be part of something truly great and noble. That inspiration may well be the Columbia's crew's most enduring impact on humanity.

The ultimate tribute to the fallen crew of the Columbia will be in ensuring that their vital mission goes on, with our full support. There will always be risks to that quest, but those risks will diminish over time, as the fruits of our labor in space continue to grow.

John F. Kennedy's words, stated when our space program was still in its infancy, still ring true today:

``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.''

The Columbia crew lost their lives on that greatest adventure. We will miss them.

A Statement From the Astronauts' Families

On January 16th we saw our loved ones launch into a

brillant, cloud-free sky. Their hearts were full of

enthusiasm, pride in country, faith in their God and a

willingness to accept risk in the pursuit of knowledge--

knowledge that they might improve the quality of life for all

mankind . . .

Although we grieve deeply, as do the families of Appollo I

and Challenger before us, the bold exploration of space must

go on. Once the root cause of this tragedy is found and

corrected, the legacy of Columbia must carry on for the

benefit of our children and yours.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind), who I know will want to pay tribute to a great citizen of his State.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sandlin), the chief deputy whip, and also a Member of Congress whose congressional district has seen, as well, an enormous impact by the tragedy of the Columbia seven.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson), a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and a strong and committed supporter of NASA.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee), certainly an area that has a great deal of impact on the work of NASA and aviation in this Nation.

(Mr. INSLEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire if the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) has any more speakers.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues who have come to the floor today to support the resolution offered by the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), and the minority leader, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), who have come together to allow us to show our remorse, our sympathy, our concern in the great loss this Nation has experienced. We first want to thank them.

I want to also and would like to also thank NASA's Sean O'Keefe, the administrator, and all of the personnel that each day lay their commitment on the line so that this Nation might reach a very great future. To all of the staff persons at NASA and Johnson who mourned and who embraced in love those who were experiencing great suffering because of the tragedy, I thank them. To the scientists and researchers and contractors who were engaged in this work in and around Houston and throughout the Nation, we thank you.

To my colleagues, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson) and the rest of the congressional delegation of Texas who have been strong supporters, along with our colleagues across the Nation, we too thank you for understanding that without exploration in space, there is no hope. For where there is no vision, the people will perish.

This is not a time, Mr. Speaker, to dwell on criticisms. This is a time to say that we will find out the facts; and however the facts may fall, we will improve and correct and enhance NASA. We also want to thank NASA for the quick response, the quick announcing of an independent commission with Admiral Gehman, and we also want to thank them for their openness to the American people and to the families.

For the critics who will say that everyone who spoke, from the President, to the administrator, to the chief of astronauts said that space exploration must continue, and to the religious communities, as well, that have prayed for us, the Grace Community Church that I worshipped in where Rick Husband and Mike Anderson worshipped, to Beth Yeshuron who acknowledged and memorialized Ilan Ramon with his family, to all of the various religions, the Hindu faith of which Kalpana Chawla was a member, and to the Indian community and to the American communities, we thank you.

So I close, Mr. Speaker, by giving words on behalf of the family, and as I read them I would ask that these words would be allowed to be included in the Record. It is a statement from the astronauts' families that was issued. The words are as follows and I believe they speak for themselves: ``On January 16, we saw our loved ones launch into a brilliant cloud-free sky. Their hearts were full of enthusiasm, pride in country, faith in their god and a willingness to accept risk in the pursuit of knowledge. Knowledge that they might improve the quality of life for all mankind.

Although we grieve deeply, as do the families of Apollo I and Challenger before us, the bold exploration of space must go on. Once the root cause of this tragedy is found and corrected, the legacy of Columbia must carry on for the benefit of our children and yours.''

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution and in tribute to the Columbia seven. Today we mourn them all. We mourn Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William McCool, Mission Specialists Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Laurel Clark, and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon.

All seven of the Columbia left behind husbands and wives and family and friends. They were role models to young people everywhere who dreamed of space. They symbolized possibility and achievement to Americans, Indians, Israelis, and citizens of the world. They gave their lives in exploration for America and the world. They hold a special place in all of our hearts.

I would like to say a few words about Dr. Chawla, who earned her doctorate in aerospace engineering at the University of Colorado. Dr. Chawla was the second former CU student to be lost on a NASA mission, joining Ellison Onizuka, who died in the Challenger accident in 1986.

Mr. Speaker, I've included an article from the Denver Post detailing how Dr. Chawla spent five hours on Columbia salvaging the broken space experiment of students at the Colorado School of Mines. Because of Dr. Chawla's help, the students were able to download almost all of the data they had hoped for through a satellite link.

Those who knew Dr. Chawla talk about her incredible determination and drive and her ability to achieve against so many odds. A friend of hers from India said that ``She never

had the feeling that because she was a girl, there were things she should not do.'' She left India, but she never forgot it. Beginning in 1998, at her urging, NASA invited high school students from India to take part in a summer space experience program in Houston. One of the students who visited Houston remembered something Dr. Chawla said to her there: ``Whatever you believe in, do--just follow your dreams.''

In his State of the Union address announcing his vision to put a man on the moon, President Kennedy said that ``it will not be one man going to the moon . . . it will be an entire nation.'' And it has been an entire nation supporting our men and women in space, dreaming their dreams along with them, following their adventures, as a way to satisfy our own curiosity, to stimulate our own sense of discovery and wonder.

I am committed to doing all I can to honor the memory of our brave astronauts. The House Science Committee's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, of which I am a member, will be conducting hearings to try to understand what happened to Columbia, to make sure such a tragedy never happens again, and to help NASA recover and begin anew its mission of discovery. I intend to take an active part in those hearings.

The exploration of space remains one of the great adventures of all time. I am committed to keeping the dream alive, and along with it, the spirits of the Columbia seven.

[From the Denver Post, Feb. 2, 2003]

(By Dave Curtin)

Astronaut Kalpana Chawla became a hero to students at

Colorado School of Mines when she went beyond NASA protocol

to spend five hours Monday salvaging their broken space

experiment.

But more than that, Chawla and her six crewmates made the

students feel like their best friends and equals in space

science as they worked closely together during the past week.

``They were real people. They didn't put themselves above

anyone else. They made us feel important,'' said Ned Riedel,

who helped design the Mines experiment, a system designed to

fight fire in space and on Earth. He worked directly with the

astronauts from Johnson Space Center in Houston until he

returned to Colorado on Friday.

Chawla worked tirelessly to fix a pesky leak on the Mines

firefighting experiment as five students and professors

watched, riveted, from payload control at the space center.

When she was finished with the fixes, the experiment worked

like a charm and data flowed to the students on the ground

for a week, saving the future of the project.

Students couldn't believe the time Chawla and the other

astronauts devoted to their experiment. It was only one of 80

aboard the 16-day flight, including one by international high

school students coordinated by the University of Colorado.

And they couldn't believe how unassuming the astronauts

were since meeting them 2\1/2\ years ago and training them on

the experiment.

``They were incredibly nice people. Easy-going and down-to-

earth people,'' said Riedel. ``Working the mission with them,

they were just fantastic. The timeline in space didn't allow

the time we needed to get it online, and they gave it to us

anyway,'' he said.

``We learned things we never expected. We celebrated all

the way to the end. We were ecstatic, which makes this even

more horrible,'' Riedel said. ``When I head, I cried. I

thought of their families. Now I'm just shocked. I can't get

over it.''

``They sacrificed time from their meals and other things to

give us time not scheduled for our experiment,'' said David

Petrick, a Mines graduate who also returned Friday from

Johnson Space Center, where he worked with the astronauts.

The school's new-generation firefighting system produces a

fine-water mist in spacecraft and has commercial applications

on Earth, including in office towers.

A 1996 international ban on ozone-depleting Halon 1301 as a

chemical fire suppressant has created an urgent need for

other environmentally friendly fire suppressants. The ban

went into effect in 2000.

Using water droplets one-tenth the size of a human hair,

the Mines mister creates a fog that sucks the heat out of

fire, preventing its spread and saving lives.

It's preferable to conventional water sprinklers because it

causes less damage to expensive equipment such as computers.

It's also an attractive alternative for planes and ships

traveling with weight limits, said Frank Schowengerdt,

director of Mines' Center for Commercial Application of

Combustion in Space, one of 17 NASA-funded commercial space-

research centers in the country.

The experiment on board Columbia was a tightly sealed 1\1/

2\-foot cannister with a tiny propane flame that ignited a

gas mixture so researchers could examine how the mist worked

in space.

Thanks to the astronauts' devotion, the students were able

to download 90 percent of the data they had hoped for through

a satellite link last week.

``This experiment that the shuttle crew worked so hard to

repair a few days ago will move forward in their honor, and

we will use the data they gleaned in space to build a

firefighting system they would be proud of,'' Schowengerdt

said. ``And we will think of a way to name it after them.

They made all the difference.''

The students were stunned at how humble the shuttle crew

was as they worked together over the months.

``What makes them extra special is you could walk up to

them and they would remember your name and have a beer with

you,'' Riedel said.

That happened to Riedel and Petrick in December during

final simulation exercises, when the students bumped into the

shuttle crew at Petey's, an astronaut after-hours hangout

near Johnson Space Center.

``I knew Ilan Ramon because he's an astronaut, but it

floored me that he remembered my name and started introducing

me around like I was his best friend,'' Riedel said. ``That's

just the kind of people they all were.''

The students were grieving on Saturday, feeling the loss of

their science partners--astronauts they had come to call

friends.

``We were walking on sunshine Friday,'' Petrick said. ``The

Mission Control folks were smiling at us because we were

dancing and singing, we were so happy. Then on Saturday we

woke to this happening.''

``I thought on Monday it was going to be a tragedy because

we wouldn't be able to get any data for our experiment,''

Riedel said.

``Now I know the definition of tragedy,'' he said, breaking

into tears.

Mr. Speaker, from the earliest of time, man has yearned to explore the unknown--to chart the distant stars. This unquenchable spirit to learn what is beyond the horizon, or over the next hill, is part of who we are. As Americans, this character is, more than anything, a defining part of us as a people. Indeed the America that we lovingly call home is far from the distant lands of most of our early roots.

From Lewis and Clark to the ``iron horse'' and the wagon train, the earliest quest for manned flight and, yes, even the first efforts to explore the heavens are celebrated mileposts on our journey for discovery. The Space Shuttle Columbia and the brave crew that she carried into space were, and is, part of this long voyage.

We have always known and accepted the risks associated with our most daring of efforts. This does not, however, lessen the deep pain in our heart or fill the empty void in our soul brought on by this tragedy. Space Shuttle flights were never without risks, though many had grown to view them that way.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that this Congress, indeed, the nation and the world, honor and remember the members of this diverse and international space crew that was lost. We must express our deepest appreciation to them and their families for the sacrifice that they made for the advancement of humanity. For their mission was a noble one.

As a Floridian, the Columbia tragedy hits very close to home. Florida's east coast was where the crew trained and prepared for its

mission, and it was to be where they would be reunited with their families and friends after 16 days amongst the stars.

The Kennedy Space Center, located at Cape Canaveral, is no more than 90 minutes north of my Congressional District. On a clear day, my constituents can see the glow of the space shuttle as it launches toward the heavens. In some instances, some have even felt the Earth tremble beneath their feet as the Columbia and her sister ships departed Florida's east coast.

We will never forget Air Force Colonel Rick D. Husband, Navy Commander William ``Willie'' McCool, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Anderson, Navy Captain David M. Brown, Dr. Kalpana Chawla, Navy Commander (Captain-select) Laurel Blair Salton Clark, and Colonel, Israeli Air Force, Ilan Ramon. All will occupy a space on life's honor role for their selfless dedication to mankind.

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy stood before a nation immersed in a race to space with the former Soviet Union and declared, ``I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth.'' Barely eight years later, Americans from Florida to Honolulu and from Maine to California heard the famous words of Neil Armstrong as he became the first human being to step foot on the moon. ``That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.''

Since then, well over 300 men and women from more than 25 countries have lived the dream for which so many of us have longed. That is, to see what our planet looks like from the heavens. Outer space is a place where the beauty of the blues and greens of the Earth overshadow the day-to-day difficulties facing Americans and others throughout the world. It is a place where uncertainty is accepted, but answers are always sought. It is a place that every child--male and female, tall and short, black, white, and brown--falls asleep, at least one night in their lives, fantasizing about what it would be like to see the Earth from a place amongst the stars.

These dreams and aspirations, as we all know, were not limited to American children. In Israel, Colonel Ramon's participation in Columbia's mission was extremely special, as Ramon was Israel's first ever astronaut. Israelis watched Colonel Ramon's every move with great enthusiasm and anticipation. Updates on his mission and conversations with Israeli news personalities provided the Israeli, community with a much-needed break from a never-ending conflict with the Palestinians. The tragic death of Colonel Ramon, however, means that no one will be returning to Israel to talk about what it was like in space, looking down at a world where violence and terrorism is not so obvious.

Here in America, Dr. Chawla, the first Indian-American astronaut, was another example of breaking down walls for minorities. Her participation in the mission sent a clear message to Indian-American children, and other minorities, that space travel can be a reality for all Americans--regardless of their ethnic background and color of their skin.

Realize, the studies that were being done by Dr. Chawla and others were to impact many of us here on Earth. Captain Anderson, the crew's only African American, was attempting to grow prostate cancer cells, a disease that disproportionately affects black males; Colonel Ramon was studying the effect that dust storms have on global warming; and Commander Clark, one of the crew's medical doctors, was examining how space affects the human body and the lives of other animals and organisms. It is under these studies and findings, as well as others currently underway in the International Space Center, with which the American space program must expand and grow.

In the coming days, months, and years, federal agencies, from NASA to NORAD, will investigate what happened during Columbia's reentry. Their findings will make it safer for Americans and others to visit the heavens, but no investigation will ever replace our seven astronauts, our seven brothers and sisters that we lost last Saturday. And certainly no investigation will ever erase the glowing image of Columbia breaking up as it reentered the Earth's atmosphere. That image will forever be etched in our memory, much like those of the Challenger and the initial Apollo mission.

Whether it is increasing minority participation in the space program or reaching a new scientific discovery that will save the lives of thousands, the space program remains a vital ingredient in the America spirit of innovation. We have overcome the odds of the past, and are now face to face with the difficulties of the future.

Mr. Speaker, Socrates said in 500 B.C., ``Man must rise above the Earth--to the top of the atmosphere and beyond--for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.'' Every time that we travel amongst the stars, we learn more about the world of which Socrates so eloquently spoke. For it is a world in which we one day hope to live, and may the memories of those who perished on the Columbia last Saturday forever guide us on that path.