Tom Price: “2 years ago, the Nation mourned the space shuttle Columbia tragedy. President Bush declared, ``This cause of exploration…”

“2 years ago, the Nation mourned the space shuttle Columbia tragedy. President Bush declared, ``This cause of exploration and discovery is not an option we choose, it is a desire written in the human heart.'' Today, seven more astronauts will take hold of that desire and follow their heart into space. This return to flight marks a new era of space travel with unparalleled safety measures. As the crew tests new safety techniques and delivers much-needed supplies to the International Space Station, we will all watch. We will watch with excitement and pride, and we will remember. We will remember and honor the lost crew of the space shuttle Columbia. The Columbia crewmembers valiantly gave their lives pursuing knowledge in our name for space exploration and today, we continue our quest to get our shuttle program back. Mr. Speaker, thanks to those who worked so hard to get that shuttle program back. To today's crewmembers, Eileen Collins, James Kelly, Charles Camarda, Wendy Lawrence, Soichi Noguchi, Steve Robinson, and Andy Thomas, may they be safe and may their mission be successful. We thank them for their dedication, their determination, and their courage. Godspeed. ____________________”