Schiff Brings Astronaut to Students  in the South Pasadena Unified School District

Washington, D.C. – This morning, Congressman Schiff visited three South Pasadena elementary schools with NASA astronaut Joseph Tanner.  Every year, Congressman Schiff invites astronauts to speak at area schools to encourage students to pursue interests in math and science.  Mr. Tanner and Congressman Schiff met with third-grade, forth-grade and fifth-grade students at Arroyo Vista Elementary School and Monterey Hills Elementary School and forth-grade and fifth-grade students at Marengo Elementary School.
 
“As Members of Congress, we must do our part to advance scientific knowledge and exploration as core values of our society. One important way we engender a sense of excitement about math and science is by bringing real life heroes into the classroom,” said Schiff. 

These astronaut visits are part of Congressman Schiff’s "Kids First" agenda of initiatives to improve education, safety, and health care for our children. Mr. Tanner has worked for NASA since 1984.  He was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1992 and is a veteran of four space flights working as a mission specialist.  He has logged over 44 days in space and participated in 7 space walks.  On his four shuttle flights, Mr. Tanner has helped launch a satellite, helped repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope, and helped assemble the International Space Station. 
 
Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.