Published: 04-14-08
Rep. Gohmert Sen. Hutchison Push for Passage from both Chambers of Congress
WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Gohmert (TX-01) is optimistic as Congress makes strides toward beginning the first steps of constructing a memorial to the crew of the fallen Space Shuttle Columbia a tribute made possible through Gohmert’s bill the Columbia Space Shuttle Memorial Study Act. Upon its passage in the Senate yesterday Rep. Gohmert stated:
“The Senate’s passage of the Columbia Space Shuttle Memorial Study Act moves us one step closer toward properly honoring the brave seven aboard the shuttle as well as the heroic efforts of many east Texans who selflessly committed themselves to the search and recovery efforts. I’m grateful for Senator Hutchison’s partnership in securing passage of this legislation and considering what a challenge it is to get a bill passed in the Senate her efforts at passage should be applauded all the more.
Though five years have passed since the tragic disintegration of the Columbia Space Shuttle our determination to honor the crew and their families has not diminished. I eagerly await this bill to be sent back to the House so that we may move forward with this tribute that will forever recognize the heroism of the valiant men and women aboard Columbia.”
The Columbia Space Shuttle Memorial Study Act (H.R. 807) was introduced in the House by Rep. Gohmert and passed as a stand alone bill in March of 2007. However because the Senate passed the legislation this week as a part of the omnibus bill S. 2739 the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 H.R. 807 must be sent back to the House to be considered within the whole omnibus package.
The bill would direct the Secretary of Interior through the National Park Service to study the feasibility of establishing a memorial to the Space Shuttle Columbia on four areas of land in Lufkin Nacogdoches San Augustine and Hemphill TX where large amounts of debris from the Space Shuttle were recovered.
The tragic event felt by the entire nation became a personal experience for east Texas when volunteers from all over the community overwhelmingly offered their own time and resources to aid wreckage recovery efforts.
