National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration Authorization Act of 2005

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005 -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 27, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2005

The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3070) to reauthorize the human space flight, aeronautics, and science programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes:

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3070, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005.

To support NASA's mission is to support the fundamental ideals of the United States of America: discovery, progress, freedom and imagination. President John F. Kennedy said in September of 1962 that ``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.'' President Kennedy understood the value of the exploration of space and his foresight was correct. Since its inception in 1958, NASA has accomplished many great scientific and technological feats, and NASA remains a leading force in scientific research to this day.

Innovations created by our space program have found their way into the clothes we wear, the food we eat, our national security, the medicines we use, the computers we rely on and in the vehicles that transport us. More importantly, NASA's exploration of space has allowed us to view Earth and the universe in a new way. While the tremendous technical and scientific accomplishments of NASA demonstrate that humans can achieve seemingly impossible feats, we also are humbled by the realization that Earth is just a tiny speck in the universe.

I am pleased to know that the Science Committee brought a bill to the floor that provides clear policy and funding provisions to ensure that NASA remains a multi-mission agency with robust research and development activities in science, aeronautics and human space flight. In addition, I am happy to know that the House has continued its investment in the Hubble Space Telescope which has provided inspiration worldwide to young and old, scientists and non-scientists alike. Hubble is one of the most important astronomical instruments in the history of NASA, and has made extraordinary contributions to scientific research and the inspiration of our youth. Finally, I am grateful that this Authorization includes language that will help ensure equal access to NASA education programs for minority and under-privileged students. The bill also properly funds the Space Grant Program which helps to promote strong science, mathematics and technology education from elementary school through graduate school.

The innovation, discovery and invention that NASA has brought to not only the United States, but also to the world is not complete. We must continue to explore the bounds of space, demand scientific breakthroughs, and enrapture the minds of children. Congress' stewardship of NASA allows our Nation to reach for the stars.

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