Rod Grams: “I rise today to commemorate ``Space Week'' and recognize the accomplishments of our nation's space programs over the…”

“I rise today to commemorate ``Space Week'' and recognize the accomplishments of our nation's space programs over the course of forty years of NASA space exploration. As my colleagues may know, this month marks the 29th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch on July 16, 1969 which began one of man's greatest voyages of exploration: the first flight to land a man on the moon. Like most Americans, I can recall my wonderment on July 20, 1969 when the lunar module Eagle landed on the moon. Soon thereafter, Commander Neil Armstrong descended from Eagle to the moon's surface and declared those memorable words, ``That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.'' Since that historic moment, NASA and its private sector partners have guided this nation to the forefront of aeronautical excellence. Today, this nation's commitment to expanding the development of technology and learning more about our vast universe remains as strong as ever. My home state of Minnesota has earned a well-deserved reputation as a high-technology giant, making our job creators a perfect match with NASA.”