Frederica Wilson: “Woman, I rise in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment. I am pleased to join my long-time friend and…”

“Woman, I rise in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment. I am pleased to join my long-time friend and colleague from Florida, Congressman Bill Posey, in supporting amendment No. 11, which we coauthored. Our amendment equally increases and decreases NASA's exploration account by $1,969 to highlight the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission which occurred on July 20, 1969. This amendment is part of a year-long, bipartisan effort we have undertaken to commemorate the 50th anniversary and to honor the incredible women and men who contributed to the mission's success and empowered the next generation of astronauts and aerospace engineers. In the 114th Congress, we introduced and secured passage of the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act which was signed into law by President Obama. Proceeds from the sale of the coin will support aerospace education and scholarships. When one thinks of the most awe- inspiring events of the 20th century, Neil Armstrong taking the historic first steps on the Moon and declaring: ``That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,'' certainly comes to mind. I want to especially acknowledge the work of Miss Katherine Johnson, a pioneering African American mathematician whose calculations ensured that the Apollo crew landed on the Moon and returned home safely.…”