News Release - Etheridge, Colleagues Hold First Hearing on Space Shuttle Tragedy

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

February 12, 2003

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge, Colleagues Hold First Hearing on Space Shuttle Tragedy

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington), a member of the House Science Committee and the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, joined with his colleagues today for a special committee hearing on the space shuttle Columbia disaster and the future of NASA. NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe testified before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science Committee. Etheridge expressed his condolences to the families of the astronauts and echoed President John F. Kennedy in asking if the time was ripe for a new, bold vision for space exploration.

"In this centennial year of manned powered flight, my home state of North Carolina is tremendously proud to celebrate our role in this piece of history, and I hope that in the days and years ahead we as a nation will continue to aim for the heavens and fearlessly pursue the relentless human exploration of God's creation," Etheridge said. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the seven astronauts killed aboard Columbia. In their memory, we must get to the bottom of this tragedy and continue the exploration of space. In their honor, we should look to a new, bold space objective for the 21st century that inspires the nation and inspires children."

O'Keefe pledged that the review board investigating the tragedy will remain independent and free of NASA influence, a concern that Etheridge had voiced in a letter to the President last week. O'Keefe also promised that the cause of the accident will be discovered and that space flight will resume.