Nick Lampson

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I, too, want to congratulate Mr. Lamborn for his recognition of this legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to support it. The most important thing that I saw as a physical science teacher in high school for many years, particularly during the years of the Apollo missions to and from the Moon, was the excitement of young people, and this is exactly what this resolution is about and what the space advocacy has been about. I urge support of House Resolution 1312. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1312 which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Space Foundation. The Space Foundation was founded in 1983 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with the purpose of helping to advocate the Nation's space-related endeavors. Over the past 25 years, it has carried out that mission in an impressive fashion. It has grown to the point where it now undertakes space advocacy and space education initiatives in all 50 States. As someone who feels passionately about the importance of getting our young people interested and educated in math and science, I want to call particular attention to the foundation's educational activities. The Space Foundation has recognized that space exploration is something that can really inspire kids and propel them to study hard so that some day they, too, can be a part of the Nation's endeavors in space. The foundation is doing work, important work in promoting science education, and I salute them for it. In addition, the Space Foundation has involved itself in seeking the best path forward for the Nation across a range of commercial, civil, and national security space issues, and it consistently provides a respected forum for policy discussion and debates. In short, the Space Foundation is at the forefront of promoting the development and use of space for all humankind. I want to join Mr. Lamborn and other Members in congratulating the Space Foundation on 25 years of accomplishment and in wishing the foundation all the best for another 25 years of service. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 1312, the resolution now under consideration.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1312) commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Space Foundation.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlelady from California (Ms. Richardson).

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, whose many outstanding achievements have provided many immeasurable benefits for the United States and the world. It was 50 years ago this month, specifically July 29, that President Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 that established NASA. At that time, the American public was still reeling from the impact of the Soviet Union's successful launch of Sputnik 1 in late 1957 which led to the space race with the Soviets. That race came to an end less than 12 years later when American astronauts successfully landed on the Moon and returned safely to Earth. NASA was the agency that led the effort to create a human space flight program from scratch and make America preeminent in space. Yet as remarkable as NASA's achievements were in getting America to the Moon as well as to building the Shuttle and Skylab and the International Space Station, NASA has excelled in many other areas. NASA's aeronautics research and development activities over the past half century have led to significant advances in both civil and military aircraft. NASA's aeronautics programs have also helped to make America's aviation system a world leader in safety and have improved our quality of life in numerous ways. In addition to human space flight and aeronautics, NASA has created space and Earth science programs that are second to none in the world in terms of advancing knowledge of our planet and of our universe. One only has to look at the ways in which the Hubble telescope, for example, has rewritten the astronomy textbook since its launch in 1990 to know that NASA's space-based science programs are really some of the Nation's premier research endeavors. In addition, NASA's technology developments have rippled through our economy in countless ways, delivering new materials, new processes, and new systems that have had a major impact on things as diverse as health care and weather forecasting. And finally, NASA continues to be a source of inspiration to our young people and a symbol to the world of America's technological and scientific preeminence. These are important realities that we should not overlook when we debate funding for NASA. Mr. Speaker, investing in NASA has been and continues to be an investment in our future. I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of this resolution along with Mr. McCaul. I urge all of our Members to support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMPSON

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

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

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to work with those who have believed so very much in helping change young people's lives across this country of ours. Mr. Feeney, Mrs. Davis and Mr. Udall all saw the impact that Dr. Sally Ride had on so many young minds across this Nation to encourage them to study science and math and engineering-related classes. I think this is a wonderful way of saying thank you to another pioneer who has made a difference in so many people's lives. I thank the gentleman for working with us on the resolution. I ask support for the resolution.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) and grant her as much time as she may consume.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1313) celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first American woman in space, Dr. Sally K. Ride, and honoring her contributions to the space program and to science education.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I introduced H. Res. 1313 which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the first American woman in space, Dr. Sally K. Ride. I was pleased that the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney), and the gentleman from Colorado (Chairman Udall), joined me as original cosponsors and I want to thank them for their support. This is a very special woman who has done something significant for the United States of America and a project which has touched this world. On June 18, 1983, Dr. Sally Ride made history with her groundbreaking space shuttle flight. However, that has been by no means her only accomplishment. Dr. Ride has had a distinguished career of service to America as a veteran NASA astronaut and as an unwavering advocate for the next generation of women in space, mathematics and engineering. She first flew as a member of the STS-7 crew, which achieved several firsts for the United States space program, including the first release and capture of a satellite using the orbiter's robotic arm and the first demonstration of a shuttle flying in formation with a free-flying satellite. And she then flew again in 1984. She has served the space program in other ways as well. In 1987, she wrote the thoughtful report on future directions of the U.S. space program, entitled ``Leadership and America's Future in Space.'' And when tragedy struck the human space flight program, she served with distinction on both the Challenger and Columbia accident investigation boards. In addition, Dr. Ride has worked tirelessly to encourage young women to pursue careers in science, engineering and mathematics through her science festivals and camps. She also has sought to engage young people through other creative approaches such as the EarthKAM program she established to allow middle school students to participate directly in the excitement of space exploration. That is one of the programs that we have seen dwindle and we hope to have a rekindling of support because it is a magnificent one to encourage students to stay involved and become involved in math and science and engineering courses. As many of you know, I am passionate about the need to get our kids interested in math and science, and I think the Nation owes Dr. Ride a debt of gratitude for her efforts in that regard. So to sum up, Dr. Sally Ride has done much to serve our Nation since she rode the shuttle into space 25 years ago. I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting her on this 25th anniversary of her first flight. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 1313, the resolution now under consideration.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I concur with Mr. Feeney and would ask that this bill pass. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as the gentlelady from Arizona (Ms. Giffords) would consume.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 375, honoring the goal of the International Year of Astronomy. Astronomy seems to capture the imagination of the public more than almost any other discipline of science. Children everywhere gaze with wonder and amazement at the night sky. Images from the Hubble telescope grace the screensavers and wallpaper of our computers. Millions of people every year visit the many planetariums around the country, including the historic Adler Planetarium in Chicago, and the Burke Baker Planetarium in Houston, which is also used to train space shuttle astronauts in identifying starfields. The International Year of the Astronomy Committee is taking advantage of the public's enthusiasm by engaging ordinary citizens in real scientific projects, such as tracking binary stars and their eclipses from many different locations. In fact, three of the major goals for IYA 2009 are: One, increase scientific awareness; two, promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences; and, three, support and improve formal and informal science education. These are also priorities for the Science and Technology Committee as reflected in last year's landmark COMPETES Act. I applaud the astronomy community for making the 2009 International Year of Astronomy not just a celebration of science by scientists but an opportunity to share the wonders and relevance of science with all citizens across the globe. As a Texan, I am particularly proud of the role that NASA and NASA centers, including the Johnson Space Center in my district, will have in celebrating the International Year of Astronomy and in promoting astronomy and space exploration. I thank Ms. Giffords for offering this resolution to recognize these important efforts and honor the goals of the International Year of Astronomy. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on House Concurrent Resolution 375, the resolution now under consideration.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 375) to honor the goal of the International Year of Astronomy, and for other purposes.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution ``Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the First American Woman in Space--Dr. Sally K. Ride--and Honoring Her Contributions to the Space Program and to Science Education.'' On June 18, 2008 we mark the historic date, twenty-five years ago, when the STS-7 Space Shuttle mission flew the first American woman into space. Dr. Sally Ride, an accomplished athlete who once considered pursuing a professional career in tennis, holds this special distinction and has continued to be a passionate and inspiring advocate for space and for science throughout her career. Dr. Ride, who earned undergraduate degrees in both English and physics at Stanford University and who continued her academic training leading to a doctorate in physics, was selected as an astronaut candidate in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) eighth astronaut class, the first to include women. On the historic STS-7 mission, Dr. Ride served as a mission specialist; her work with the STS-7 crew included launching two communications satellites, conducting demonstration activities with the Shuttle robotic arm, and facilitating experiments in materials science. On October 5, 1984, Dr. Ride made her second spaceflight aboard the STS 41-G mission, which launched the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite and demonstrated the capability to refuel satellites in orbit, among other accomplishments. Sadly, training preparations for Dr. Ride's third spaceflight assignment, the STS 61-M mission, ended following the Challenger accident. She then was asked to serve on the Presidential Commission that investigated that accident, and later she served with distinction on the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. Madam Speaker, following her NASA career, Dr. Ride has focused her experience, talent, and dedication as a leader and advocate for educating the next generation of scientists and engineers--especially young women. As a professor and scientist, she has served on the faculty of the University of California San Diego and as director of the University of California's California Space Institute. She has authored scientific publications on free electron lasers. She has also authored several children's books about science and space. Dr. Ride's current focus has been through her efforts to provide hands-on learning about science, math, and technology for young students and teachers. She has been the principal investigator of Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM), a NASA education program that allows students to control a digital camera that is attached to the International Space Station, to determine what to photograph, and to use the imagery for their science studies. The project also instills experience in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. In addition, Madam Speaker, as the first American woman in space, Dr. Ride has used her fame constructively, mentoring and encouraging girls and young women to pursue careers in space, science, and engineering. To that end, she has developed science festivals, science camps and other opportunities for girls and young women to engage in science, math, and technology activities. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first American woman in space we also celebrate the dawn of the space age a quarter of a century earlier. The historic milestone of Dr. Ride's flight encourages us to look forward to the additional ``firsts'' for our nation's space program in the coming decades. Dr. Ride's profound dedication to promoting opportunities for science and engineering learning is helping to build that exciting future. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues in Congress to support this resolution celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first American woman in space and to extend our appreciation and gratitude for Dr. Ride's excellence in service to the nation as an astronaut, educator, and advocate for the next generation of women scientists and engineers.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of a great friend and Texan that passed away June 16, 2008. Ruth was an honorable woman who dedicated her life to charity and helping others. Ruth Levy Kempner was born at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas, on November 26, 1917, to Marion J. and Alma L. Levy. She died on June 16, 2008, at her home in Galveston. Mrs. Kempner graduated from Ball High School in 1933, and earned a BA degree from the University of Texas at Austin, graduating cum laude in 1937. She was a Galveston school teacher prior to her marriage to Harris L. Kempner on April 24, 1939. They had two sons, Harris L. ``Shrub'' Kempner, Jr., and Marion Lee ``Sandy'' Kempner. Sandy, a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, was killed in Vietnam in November 1966. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, and brother, Marion Levy of Princeton, New Jersey. She is survived by her son, Harris L. Kempner, Jr., and his wife Hetta T. Kempner of Galveston, her grandchildren, Harris L. Kempner III and wife Kim of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Randall T. Kempner of Washington, DC, sister-in-law, Joy Levy of Princeton, New Jersey, niece, Dore Levy-Trilling and husband Jim Trilling of Providence, Rhode Island, nephews Noah Levy of New Jersey and Amos Levy and wife Carla of New York, and cousins, Adrian Levy of Galveston and Gloria Herman of Houston. Her life was devoted to various charitable and civic endeavors. She was president of the Family Service Bureau and served on the boards of Galveston Public Health Nursing Service, Galveston Community Council, and the League of Women Voters among many others. She was chairman of the Red Cross Disaster Relief Committee during the Texas City disaster in 1947, and worked tirelessly on the scene searching the wreckage for the dead and injured, bringing home temporarily orphaned children at night. It was her nature to see a need and immediately accept the challenge to meet it. She was president of Friends of Rosenberg Library and volunteered in the library's cataloging department for 20 years. She also served on its board of trustees. From 1959 to 1960 Mrs. Kempner served on the Galveston City Charter Commission and was instrumental in changing Galveston's form of government from a city commission to a council-city manager operation. When the new charter was adopted, Mrs. Kempner was elected to serve on the first Galveston City Council from 1961 to 1963. She thereby became the first woman in Galveston's history to serve on any governing body of the city of Galveston. In this, as in many things, she pioneered the way for women in the city. Ruth Kempner was one of two lay persons appointed to the Texas Civil Judicial Council and served for 8 years, from 1965 to 1973. In later years, she was active on the development board of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and was chairman of the Breast Imaging Committee. She was a generous benefactor to the UTMB mammography and osteoporosis screening van, ``the Oleander'', and enthusiastically participated in its dedication in 1999. In 2003, her grandsons established the Ruth Levy Kempner Professorship in Radiation Oncology at UTMB in honor of their grandmother's dedication to the medical branch and the Galveston community. She was the recipient of many community awards over the years including the Galveston Historical Foundation Steel Oleander Award and the 1894 Grand Opera House Community Enrichment Award. She was delighted to list her profession on her passport as ``Housewife and Civic Busybody'', but she will be remembered for her intelligence, her candor, and her dedication to every cause she believed in. Equality for all people, regardless of sex, race or religion was one of those causes, and she fought for it staunchly at a time when it took much courage. She was particularly a role model for many women who responded to her gracious toughness, and her willingness to express herself very directly. Mrs. Kempner was a courtly hostess, a steadfast friend, and a formidable enemy to injustice of any kind. She took great pride in her family, and was passionate about Galveston and its citizens. Vice versa. She occasionally admitted that she had poor math skills. We believe that she thought one and one equals three because she always knew that the whole was greater than the sum of its parts. We will miss her greatly.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Chairman, I just recognize in closing that this is not a complicated piece of legislation. It is one that does not stop these fuels from being produced or the research and development on these types of sources of energy. It allows NASA to continue to purchase the kinds of fuels without restrictions and without putting themselves into the jeopardy that is asked for within section 526. So it is a simple amendment that was voice voted in the defense authorization, and we believe it should be here as well as the bill came out of committee. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Chairman, I yield 1 minute to Chairman Udall.

Mr. LAMPSON. Would you use your time, please?