Zoe Lofgren: “Mr. Speaker, I want to speak in support of the resolution to honor the accomplishments of Colonel Eileen Collins, NASA…”

“Mr. Speaker, I want to speak in support of the resolution to honor the accomplishments of Colonel Eileen Collins, NASA astronaut. As my colleagues know, she recently commanded the successful STS-93 shuttle mission. As such she was the first female shuttle commander in the history of the United States Space Program. She completed the mission with distinction, and she and the rest of the crew are to be congratulated. By all accounts she has handled all of her assignments at NASA and in the Air Force with distinction, and she represents the best in service to our Nation. In addition, Colonel Collins is a valuable role model for young women. She shows them that the sky is not the limit if they study hard, work hard, and are willing to dream. Colonel Collins shows that determination can lead one to get ahead. She began her academic career at Corning Community College where she got a degree in mathematics and science. She went to get her bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics from Syracuse in 1978, a master's of science degree in operations research from Stanford University in 1986, and a master's of arts degree in space systems management from Webster University in 1989. Colonel Collins had nothing given to her, but Colonel Collins worked hard and made a future for herself in the space program and as a role model for girls all over the country.”