Dave Camp: “Today, I rise to salute the seven astronauts who lost their lives aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia: Commander Rick…”

“Today, I rise to salute the seven astronauts who lost their lives aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia: Commander Rick Husband; Pilot William McCool; Mission Specialists Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Laurel Clark; and payload specialist Ilan Ramon, an Israeli. On January 16, 2002, the Columbia left on a 16-day mission that was dedicated to research in physical, life, and space sciences, conducted in approximately 80 separate experiments, and comprised of hundreds of samples and test points. The men and women aboard the Columbia traveled over six million miles and labored 24 hours a day to complete this mission. On February 1, 2003, just minutes from completing its mission, the Columbia was lost during its reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. This loss was unexpected and terrible and today we remember not only this tragedy, but the seven heroes who were lost and their achievement. For the families of the seven, we share your grief in this national tragedy. With heavy hearts we as a nation share in your sorrow and pride. My sincere condolences and prayers are with you in this time of great loss. America was blessed to have such men and women serving in the space program. While our space program has experienced tragedy before, it never becomes easy to bear. And today we grieve the loss of these heroes. Though there are great risks involved in space travel, its benefits to life on earth has been tremendous.”