Tom Feeney: “today we will pass a resolution honoring the great members of the Columbia crew and their sacrifice. As Lincoln reminded…”

“today we will pass a resolution honoring the great members of the Columbia crew and their sacrifice. As Lincoln reminded us at Gettysburg, such tributes are altogether fitting and proper. But also, as he observed, we can never fully consecrate times and places of sacrifice. That task is ultimately done by those making the sacrifice. Rather, we, the living, are tasked with taking increased devotion to the unfinished business for which the last full measure of devotion was given. Both NASA and the President have demonstrated such increased devotion. The NASA team entered the crucible of self-examination and emerged with strengthened resolve and will. The President has charted a course for a reinvigorated human space program, breaking out of low earth orbit, returning to the moon, and then exploring our solar system. I hope this House responds in kind. This resolution reassures the loved ones of the Columbia's crew that last year's loss will strengthen this Nation's resolve to continue the journey of discovery in space. In the weeks ahead, let us carry out this pledge of increased devotion.”