***Committee on Science***

**SHERWOOD BOEHLERT, CHAIRMAN**

Bart Gordon, Tennessee, Ranking Democrat

[[www.house.gov/science]{.underline}](../www.house.gov/science)

**February 3, 2004**

**Press Contact:**

**Heidi Tringe (Heidi.Tringe@mail.house.gov)**

**Jeff Donald (Jeffrey.Donald@mail.house.gov)**

**(202) 225-4275**

**HOUSE HONORS COLUMBIA ASTRONAUTS**

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House of Representatives today approved a
resolution (H.Res.507), sponsored by **Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX)**,
and cosponsored by **Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY)** and several
other members of the House Science Committee, in honor of the Columbia
astronauts. The resolution expresses, "the profound sorrow of the House
of Representatives on the anniversary of the accident that cost the crew
of the Space Shuttle Columbia their lives, and extend\[s\] heartfelt
sympathy to their families."

**Rep. Burgess** stated, "When Columbia broke-up in the Texas sky on the
morning of February 1, 2003, the 7 astronauts aboard her were 16 minutes
from home...sixteen minutes from completion of a successful
mission...sixteen minutes from seeing their loved ones. Knowing full
well the dangers of space flight, they faced them willingly. Because of
their courage, we will miss them all the more. Our sympathies go out to
the grieving families. It is a privilege to stand here today to honor
the sacrifices of these brave space explorers."

"Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana
Chawla, Laurel Clark, Ilan Ramon. One year after their tragic deaths,
their names remain seared in our national memory," said **Chairman
Boehlert**. "Our Nation's space program is built on the dreams and
aspirations of an exploring people willing to take risks. This Congress
is proud of our explorers - those who have returned, and those few whom
fate has held back. With this resolution we honor the seven men and
women who flew the shuttle Columbia's final fateful mission. They will
never be forgotten."

"The sorrow expressed by the House today on the loss of Columbia's crew
expresses the sorrow our nation feels at the loss of these seven heroic
men and women. They were explorers who advanced our knowledge. Their
courage and thirst for discovery inspires us still, and this resolution
reminds us that we can only really honor them by continuing the journey
they began," added **Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Ranking
Member Bart Gordon (D-TN)**.

"The Columbia astronauts were heroes \-- they were aware of the risks
for space travel, but allowed their sense of mission and duty to
outstrip their fears. Today, we memorialize the deeds of these brave men
and women, and assure their families that we will never forget the
courage of the loved ones they lost. The story of our Columbia crew will
encourage a new legacy of space exploration that will be inspired by the
actions of these bold men and women," said **Subcommittee Chairman Dana
Rohrabacher (R-CA)**.

**Subcommittee on Environment, Technology and Standards Chairman Vernon
J. Ehlers, (R-MI)** stated, "The loss of the Columbia was a profound
tragedy. However, as we go forward with new missions, the Columbia
crew's passion and dedication to science and exploration will serve as a
lasting example to the space program and the nation."

"I believe that it is important that we never forget the sacrifices made
by the brave and dedicated men and women of STS-107. Each one of them
gave the last full measure of devotion to the cause of space
exploration. There have been numerous ceremonies over the past few days
to remember the crew of *Columbia*, including yesterday\'s memorial
service at Arlington Cemetery. I think that it is important for this
body, the United States House of Representatives, also to pause in our
deliberations to express again our profound gratitude for their service
and our deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones on the
anniversary of their deaths," said **Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee
Ranking Member Nick Lampson (D-TX)**. "I believe that the crew of
STS-107 would not want us to dwell only on their deaths. Instead, I
believe that they would want us to reflect on the cause for which they
gave their lives: the exploration of space. And I have no doubt that
they would want us to rededicate ourselves to the task of ensuring that
this nation continues that exploration."

"A year ago, seven astronauts took an important scientific assignment
knowing the risks involved, but recognized that this mission was not
only a service to the nation, but to all of humanity. My thoughts and
prayers are with all of their families as we remember these brave men
and women, and their commitment to space exploration," stated **Rep.
Randy Forbes (R-VA)**.

"The Columbia astronauts died serving their nation. Their lives, their
sacrifice, symbolize our nation's grand aspirations and its greatness.
Americans honor their sacrifice and our thoughts are with their families
as we mark this sad anniversary," added **Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA)**.

"Last year\'s tragedy is a reminder of the courage and commitment of our
NASA flight crews and support teams - we should always be proud of their
heroism and patriotism," said **Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT)**. "The seven
astronauts who lost their lives in the spirit of exploration will not be
forgotten, and the mission to which they dedicated their lives must
continue. We owe to their memory and to their families\' sacrifice a
renewed dedication to an American presence in space."

**Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL)** stated, "This resolution reassures the loved
ones of Columbia\'s crew that last year\'s loss will strengthen this
Nation\'s resolve to continue the journey of discovery in space. Both
NASA and President Bush have demonstrated commitment to exploration and
devotion to the human space program. It is my hope that the House will
carry out this pledge in the weeks ahead."

"Today the U.S. House of Representatives honors the memory of seven
heroic astronauts who lost their lives on Columbia Space Shuttle one
year ago. This tragedy struck West Texans hard because we lost two of
our own-Rick Husband and William McCool. I would like to extend my
heartfelt prayers to the families who lost loved ones that infamous day
in history. Please know that their ultimate sacrifice will strengthen
this Nation\'s determination to continue our journey in space," said
**Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)**.

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108-182

Heidi Mohlman Tringe

Communications Director

Committee on Science

2320 RHOB\
Washington, DC 20515

202-225-6371 (Voice)

202-226-3875 (Fax)

202-225-1981 (Cell)