Kay Bailey Hutchison: “on October 1, 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created. No other Government agency…”

“on October 1, 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created. No other Government agency better represents the hopes and experiences of our Nation during the course of its existence than NASA. To recall why that is so, let's look back to where we were 40 years ago. In October 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite. Many have claimed this had a ``Pearl Harbor'' effect on the American people and galvanized public opinion in favor of an aggressive U.S. space program. Americans believed that the Soviet Union had gained a significant technological advantage over the United States--bomb shelters were built at an even more rapid rate as we turned our attention to the space race. Then-Senator Lyndon Johnson, from my state of Texas, said that the launch of Sputnik was ``* * * a new era of history dawning over the world.'' He warned a Texas audience that, ``The mere fact that the Soviets can put a satellite in the sky * * * does not alter the world balance of power. But it does mean they are in a position to alter the balance of power.'' Shortly thereafter, Senator Johnson introduced legislation to create NASA and harnessed the energies, talents, and aspirations of a nation embarking on a bold, new enterprise. The act reflected a remarkable unanimity by the American people and a commitment to science and exploration. NASA wasted no time in bringing America into the space race.”