Recognizing Space Shuttle Commander Eileen Collins, Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, and the Contributions of All Other Women who have Worked...
RECOGNIZING SPACE SHUTTLE COMMANDER EILEEN COLLINS, MISSION SPECIALIST WENDY LAWRENCE, AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ALL OTHER WOMEN WHO HAVE WORKED WITH NASA -- (House of Representatives - September 20, 2005)
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Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 450, a resolution to honor the women of NASA for their hard work and dedication. In 360 B.C., the great philosopher Plato bemoaned that ``nothing can be more absurd than the practice that prevails in our country of men and women not following the same pursuits with all their strengths and with one mind, for thus, the state instead of being whole is reduced to half.''
It has been more than 2,000 years since Plato made this simple, commonsense observation. It has not been easy; but in the intervening centuries, women have proven time and time again that they can excel in any field they choose. Along the way, there have been many trailblazers: Barbara Jordan, the stateswoman; Marie Curie, the scientist; Amelia Earhart, the pilot; Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman and the first Hispanic Surgeon General.
Today, we honor some new additions to this august list, the talented women of NASA's astronaut core. Commander Collins and Mission Specialist Lawrence performed flawlessly on their latest mission aboard Space Shuttle Discovery.
They are but the latest examples of a long tradition of excellence among our female astronauts that stretches back over two decades to Sally Ride's historic mission as the first American female astronaut.
These astronauts stand as inspirations to young women, not only in this country but around the globe, who look at them and understand that no dream is out of reach because they realize that they too can do what others have done.
They should be very proud of their accomplishments.
Of course, in praising the astronauts, we should not neglect the contributions of other women of NASA: the scientists, the engineers, the program managers, and all of the others who contribute to our space program.
All of these talented women are trailblazers in their own right. I commend them for their hard work and the excellent example they set.
I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York, not only for her initiative in introducing this most thoughtful resolution but also for helping make real Plato's ideal of equality of opportunity for all.
I think it is a great resolution, and I urge its adoption.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).
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