05 R 305

2005 -- H 6546

Enacted 05/26/05

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

ENCOURAGING CONGRESS TO SUPPORT THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND

SPACE ADMINISTRATION'S VISION FOR SPACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM

Introduced By: Representatives Loughlin, Singleton, McHugh, Winfield, and Moura

Date Introduced: May 26, 2005

     WHEREAS, The United States has a proud heritage of leading the world in exploration

and discovery on land, under the seas, and in outer space; and

     WHEREAS, This heritage of expanding the boundaries of the national experience has

been paramount in American priorities from the days of Lewis and Clark through the exploration

of the moon's surface by the Apollo astronauts and the surface of Mars using the Mars Rover; and

     WHEREAS, The expansion of America's exploration boundaries from the original 13

states to the lunar surface in the relatively short period of 200 years has led to immeasurable

benefits to all humankind through the development of new technologies, the creation of new jobs

across the entire economic spectrum, economic growth through creation of new commercial

producers and markets, the creation of advanced educational opportunities, and the establishment

of a legacy for future generations; and

     WHEREAS, The potential of space exploration has proven to ignite American students'

interest in science and mathematics; and

     WHEREAS, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was established on

October 1, 1958; and since then has continued to captivate and inspire our Nation and the world

with its endeavors; and

     WHEREAS, NASA's scientific discoveries and technological achievements have

enriched the lives our citizens and changed our collective perspective of the Universe in which

we live; and

     WHEREAS, NASA's mission and programs contribute directly to the economy and well-

being of the State of Rhode Island through contracts and grants with businesses and academic

institutions located here; and

     WHEREAS, The Oliver Perry Middle School, located in Providence, was recently

selected as a 2005 NASA Explorer School and will reap the benefits of working closely with

science and engineering experts from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to inspire the next

generation of explorers to pursue studies in math, science and engineering; and

     WHEREAS, This unique interaction between NASA professionals and Rhode Island

students will directly contribute to the future of the Vision for Space Exploration and to the

overall scientific, security and economic interests of the United States; and

     WHEREAS, Stephen G. Bowen (Commander USN), a NASA Astronaut and the first

Submarine Officer selected by NASA as a Mission Specialist, is visiting the State House today to

support the Vision for Space Exploration Program; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby encourages the U.S. Congress to support the Vision for Space

Exploration Program, and wishes NASA a prompt and safe return to space shuttle flight; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Delegation in Congress.

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LC03384

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