FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2003

LARSON STATEMENT ON THE RELEASE OF THE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD REPORT

HARTFORD- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today made the following statement on the release of the report by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, chaired by Admiral Harold Gehman. The board was charged with investigating the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia earlier this year.

Larson stated: "The board should be commended for the valuable public service they have performed for the nation in the wake of the Columbia tragedy. The report makes it clear that both cultural and structural change is needed within NASA if we are to ensure the success of the space program and the safety of future shuttle flights. The nation remains committed to manned space flight, but safety must be considered a priority and a crew escape system should be explored. This valuable report will not be of use if there is now a failure to address the key issues it discusses and bring about real change within NASA and the shuttle program."

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