Mark Gordon: “Mr. Speaker, I join my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), in support of H.J. Res. 57 which…”

“Mr. Speaker, I join my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), in support of H.J. Res. 57 which recognizes, through a sense of Congress, the contribution of the seven Columbia astronauts by supporting the establishment of a Columbia Memorial Science Learning Center in Downey, California. The Columbia shuttle accident was a great tragedy in American history. These courageous astronauts were dedicated to scientific research and stimulated the interest of American children in space flight and science. The crew members gave their lives in trying to benefit the education of American children. Accordingly, an appropriate tribute to their memory would be to expand educational opportunities in science by the establishment of a center and museum to provide children and teachers with activities and information derived from American space science and research. A fitting site for such a memorial is the former manufacturing site of the space shuttles, including the Columbia and Challenger, in the city of Downey, California. City officials have worked diligently with the NASA officials to develop this center. As a result, it is both appropriate and important for Congress to endorse this effort.”