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Congratulations to the X Prize Winners

Date: Oct. 11, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Technology and Communication


CONGRATULATIONS TO THE X PRIZE WINNERS -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 11, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. RICK LARSEN
OF WASHINGTON
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2004

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to Paul Allen, Scaled Composites founder Burt Rutan, and SpaceShipOne pilots Mike Melvill and Brian Binnie for winning the Ansari X Prize. SpaceShipOne's two successful flights into space indicate a bright future for space travel and exploration. Just over 100 years after the Wright brothers' flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Paul Allen has proven that we continue to dream and dare to tackle ever-more daunting challenges each day. The success of SpaceShipOne is truly a great victory for Scaled Composites and for innovators around the world, as well as an indication of great things to come.

It is my pleasure to specifically congratulate Paul Allen for his crucial role in this endeavor. SpaceShipOne's success would not have been possible without his vision and confidence. Communities in my district have long benefited from Mr. Allen's investments in businesses and charities. Now the whole world will have the opportunity to benefit from his efforts to make Scaled Composites a success and to never hold back from pushing Americans' innovation to the next level.

Private space travel has been nothing more than a dream since the advent of space flight. The success of Spaceship One has prompted new fields of business and recreation. It is this kind of innovation that will bring the next generation of jobs and strengthen our economy. This breakthrough will provide the economic stimulus to financially and scientifically motivate individuals around the globe to look toward the sky. It will inspire us to surpass current scientific limitations and travel to places our grandparents could only imagine.

Innovation is the key to our future. Mr. Allen and the talented team at Scaled Composites have shown us that any goal is achievable when coupled with ambition and the drive to succeed. I congratulate all involved and look forward to seeing Paul Allen, Burt Rutan and others reach new heights and overcome new challenges.

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