November 4, 2004

On October 30, 2004 the President of the United States signed into law a joint resolution of Congress designating the space science learning center in Downey, California as the Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center. The full text of the resolution follows:

108th CONGRESS
H. J. RES. 57

JOINT RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the Congress in recognition of the contributions of the seven Columbia astronauts by supporting establishment of a Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center.

Whereas the crew of the space shuttle Columbia was dedicated to scientific research and stimulating the interest of American children in space flight and science;

Whereas the Columbia crew carried out science projects of American schoolchildren;

Whereas the members of that crew gave their lives trying to benefit the education of American children;

Whereas a fitting tribute to that effort and to the sacrifice of the Columbia crew and their families is needed;

Whereas an appropriate form for such tribute would be to expand educational opportunities in science by the creation of a center and museum to offer children and teachers activities and information derived from American space research;

Whereas the former manufacturing site of the space shuttles (including the Columbia and the Challenger) in the city of Downey, California, is a fitting site for such a tribute;

Whereas residents of Downey are proud of their role in building the space shuttle fleet and in furthering the Nation's space program; and

Whereas city officials have been working with NASA representatives to develop the center in Downey: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That it is the sense of the Congress that--

(1) the space science learning center in Downey, California, should be designated as the Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center as a living memorial to the seven Columbia astronauts who died serving their country in the name of science and research; and

(2) the Federal Government, along with public and private organizations and persons, should continue to cooperate in the establishment of such a center.

Passed the House of Representatives October 5, 2004.
Passed the Senate October 10, 2004.
Signed by the President of the United States October 30, 2004.

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