Speaker. As chairwoman of the committee on science, space, and technology, its an honor to stand before you today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of apollo 11. The morning of july 16, 1969, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and buzz aldrin lifted ff from nasas cape kennedy. That day, millions watched in 11 s nasa launched Apollo Saturn 9 rocket to accomplish the goals set by president kennedy less than 10 years earlier, to land the man on the moon before the end of the decade. As president kennedy said in his speech at Rice University in september, 1962, we choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things not because they are easy but because they are hard. There is no better explanation that captures the american spirit. We choose to take joint leaps. We choose to know the unknown. We choose to lead into the future. On july 20, 1960, just four days after the launch, the world listened and watched as the first steps were taken on the moon. Again, hundreds of millions of people across the world watched as history was made. Five times more nasa astronauts landed on the moon and returned home safely. President kennedys promise that our great democracy could achieve these hard things became a reality. As we watch those days in july, 0 years ago, dreams began to form. Every person watching the success of Apollo Program, young and old, no matter their background, was filled with inspiration. Some youngsters could say to themselves, i will be an astronaut. I will be a scientist. As they looked up to the moon, they pictured themselves up there amongst those american heroes in an unimaginable distance away. This impact has its greatest effect on our young people. We must always remember that inspiration when we set out to accomplish our greatest goals, the youth inspiration, the worlds rising generations are watching, always setting their eyes on the sky and the stars. Young girls and young boys from all backgrounds thrive off the vision that we have now and imagined themselves becoming a part of it when they can. We must meet this great responsibility to the following generations by providing opportunities for them to do great things with the challenge we face today. As my predecessor, chairman of the thencommittee of science and astronautics, congressman george p. Miller, said after the apollo 11 crew splashed down safely in the pacific ocean, those of us who are privileged to live today will pass this onto our children and our grandchildren, and they will in turn brag about the fact that we were there. The flight of apollo 11 is perhaps the greatest secular achievement that the world has ever seen. This achievement was made possible by the unified efforts of nearly half million men and women, scientists and engineers, technicians and the support of the American People and their government. The United States discovery and exploration enterprise is unmatched. Just as we once set our sights to be the first to land on the moon, let us bring that same sense of commitment to meeting other challenges facing our nation. Thank you and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from alabama, mr. Brooks, for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, this week america celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of mankinds and americas greatest achievements, walking on the surface of the moon. Although then only a child, i well remember the earth shake and the dishes in our Kitchen Cabinets rattle as the apollo 5 engines were tested nearby. Even now, 50 years after watching the moon landing, i get chills remembering when apollo astronauts landed and later planted the flag on the moons surface. It was American Ingenuity, boldness, technical prowess, and economic might that made this historic achievement possible. Im proud to say the legacy of the apollo 11 moon landing lives on in the Tennessee Valley of alabama that i represent. Some history is in order. The Tennessee Valleys Marshall Space Flight center is the birthplace of americas Space Program. Americans generally and alabamians in particular designed and engineered the saturn 5 rocket that launched the historic apollo 11 and took american astronauts to the moon. I will never forget the flames and the roar as our saturn 5 rocket was launched and carried the apollo 11 crew and vehicles to the moon. I remember with tremendous pride Neil Armstrongs words as he step foot on the moon, thats one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. That giant leap meant to benefit all mankind as a prime example of american exceptionalism and helped cement americas status as the best, most powerful and most influential nation in world history. When Neil Armstrong and buzz aled run planted americas flag on the moons surface on july 20, 1969, there was no doubt that americas Space Program had passed the russians and become the preeminent leader in Space Exploration, a position america maintains today. This week, america not only reflects on the miraculous achievements of the apollo 11 mission, but we also honor those who played a Critical Role in its ultimate success. The Tennessee Valley is immensely proud of our pivotal role in landing a man on the moon and equally importantly returning them alive to earth. Reflecting our pride in americas achievement, there are huntsville streets were awash with revelers. German Rocket Scientist were around braun set on the courthouse stop that day, quote, my friends, there was dancing here in the streets of huntsville when first satellites orbited the earth. There was dancing again when the First Americans landed on the moon. I would like to ask you, dont hang up your dancing slippers. His words remind us mankinds greatest achievements are yet to come. America will continue to accomplish the unimaginable in space for the benefit of all humanity. Stars, ich for the have confidence the Tennessee Valley, Marshall Space Flight , where wed huntsville say the sky is not the limit, will be instrumental in carrying american astronauts back to the moon, to mars, and beyond. I yelled back. Yieldr. Thompson for five minutes. Mr. Thompson i rise today as a number of my colleagues have to recognize that this saturday, july 20, as the 50th anniversary of the apollo 11 moon landing. Eilarmstrong first stepped on the moon and said, one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind, end quotes. They launched from the Kennedy Space center, florida, and would change the course of Human History forever. At the age of 8 i can remember watching the coverage of the landing from my Family Living room where we moved the dining room table in to eat dinner and watch this historical occasion. I remember the landing that occurred at 4 18 p. M. Eastern standard time on july 20. I along with many other children at that time across the country was filled with a sense of awe and wonder. This consequential moment was sparkt years before in 1961 when president kennedy stood before congress and set an ambitious goal of putting a man on the moon before the decades end. Long before he acknowledged the materials had been invented yet to make that a reality. His bold vision became a reality on july 20, 1969. This achievement would not have been possible without American Innovation and work ethic. Paired with the support of the public. Now we are tasked with safely sending the first woman and another man to the south pole of the moon where no human has traveled. This mission, called artemis, will send astronauts back to the moon by 2024, allowing us to establish a permanent presence on the moon by 2028. None of this can be achieved without a strong Publicprivate Partnership and the strong support of the American People. Nasa works with companies both large and small from across 50 states to prepare for the mission, as well as many other projects nasa conducts in space. In pennsylvanias 15th congressional district, there are several local businesses working with nasa. Just recently nasa announced a contract for infrastructure h. F. T service from the lens company in johnstown to provide their expertise. A medical company is working on custom medical devices. Publicprivate partnerships like these will fuel the next generation of exploration. Space is more than just a place of academic study, however. Its instrumental to our National Security. It discovers new technologies that have everyday application that is encourages us to push the boundaries of whats possible. Mr. Speaker, the legacy of the apollo 11 moon landing is forever enshrined in the parts and minds of americans who witnessed the moment 50 years ago this week. We must reignite our kur yossity for Space Exploration as we prepare to return to the moon in the decades to come. Thank gentleman from kansas, mr. Marshall, for five minutes. Mr. Marshall thank you, mr. Speaker. 50 years ago on july 20, 1969, people across the country and around the world watched in eager anticipation as kneel armstrong and buzz aldrin landed on the moon. This historic event ended the space race and brought American Innovation, determination, and leadership to the forefront of the global stage. This was american exceptionalism at its best. My brother and sister and i never missed an apollo liftoff. We all became very familiar with that countdown. 10 9 ignition sequence 6 5 fire the retrorockets 3 2 1 liftoff. We have liftoff. The rocket has cleared the tower. We sat there in amazement as we sat in front of that rca black and white tv. It was like the whole room was shaking and we would sit there until we saw the rocket finally leave out of sight. Apollo 11 was a 36story high rocket. It started its eight day, 953,000mile journey to the moon and back. We all had toy rockets back in the day and would repeat that liftoff sequence over and over. My brother and i would climb to our garage and launched our toy rockets. In cub squouts we built rockets. Our High School Physics classes we built rockets. We had contests to see who could fly their rockets the highest and furthest. I have no idea how many boys and girls were inspired to go into identifiens science because of the joy of watching rockets being launched to the moon. Our teachers would say things like lunch is tminus 30 minutes away. Or at the end of a tough test they would say, mission accomplished. As we celebrate this historic event, i think back to alt times casok my children to the phere in kansas. This World Class Museum and science center, number one of its kind, showcases American Innovation in space and aeronautics and provides interactive opportunities to engage in Historic Events such as the moon landing. In fact, they currently have a traveling visit called apollo redeaux which lets people sit in a reprodougs of the Johnson Space certainty. It amazes me of the advancements made possible because of these missions. Research conducted by nasa has helped us to better understand our solar system as well as the universe. Nick haig of kansas in my district is currently conducting research on the International Space station. We are proud of you and keep doing a great job for america. As a member of the house science, space, and Technology Committee i am proud to join my colleagues here today in honoring the 50th anniversary of the apollo 11 landing and its legacy we continue to build upon today. Gentleman from texas, mr. Babin, for five minutes. Mr. Babin thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, america achieved the greatest technological accomplishment in Human History. Three men, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and buzz aldrin, set off from Cape Canaveral on a voyage president kennedy called the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure which man had ever has ever embarked upon. Four days into their eightday mission, neil and buzz climbed down the ladder of the lunar module and stood on the surface of the moon. The very first human presence on a celestial body other than earth. No other country has equaled. And we did it five more times. Armstrong, collins, and aldrin could not have accomplished this alone. Apollo 11 was the culmination of the hard work of more than 400,000 americans who, with limited experience and comparatively primitive technology, committed themselves to accomplish this task and completing president kennedys order of rushing the astronauts safely home. Im so proud to represent Johnson Space center in houston, texas, and the Historic Mission control of that apollo era. On the wall of the house science, space and Technology Committee, here in the on capitol hill where i serve as senior republican on the space and aeronautics subcommittee is written from the bible proverbing 29 18 which reads, where there is no vision, the people perish. The 50th anniversary of the first moon landing should serve as a reminder of what we as a nation can accomplish when we do have a clear mission. 600 Million People from around the world gathered around their grainy Television Sets to watch those first steps. What is amazing is that this took place only 40 years after lindhberg first flew across the atlantic and only 65 years after two bicyclemaking brothers from dayton, ohio, achieved flight in kitty hawk, north carolina. The apollo pushed our technology forward, and we are again. Cusp of doing it President Trump and Vice President pence ensured we are, again, pushing outward and launching america back into its dominant role as the Global Leader in space. We have our vision. This time we head to the red planet by way of the moon and this time we stay. Nasa administrator bridenstine has focused nasa on achieving artimus s with the program, apollos sister, and i will advocate for the support needed for nasa to accomplish this very worthwhile effort. Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of apollo 11 this week, i would like to thank all out there who helped us get to the moon and all those out there who will get us back to the moon and thank them for their tremendous contribution to our country and im anxiously looking forward to the next small steps and giant leaps in our Space Program. Thank you and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from oklahoma, ms. Horn, for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Speaker. This week we celebrate one of the most remarkable moments in Human History, the launch of the apollo 11 lunar mission, and the first steps on the moon by american astronauts Neil Armstrong and buzz aldrin. American leadership, ingenuity and investment made this moment possible 50 years ago. As the space and aeronautics Space Committee chairwoman, im proud to join my colleagues today to recognize this achievement and talk about what it means 50 years later as we commemorate this historic accomplishment. Its clear that we stand on the shoulders of space pioneers, some of whom are still with us today. Apollo 11 and armstrongs first steps on the lunar surface were the culmination of a focused, methodical buildup of operational capabilities needed to achieve the moon landing. The value of the Apollo Program is beyond measure. Its mission inspired and continues to draw countless americans into science, technology, engineering and math. This program led to significant technological advances and products that changed the world as we know it and benefit our lives today. Fundamentally, the success of apollo contributed to our standing in the world. Apollo taught us the value of taking audacious and yet intentional risks. Id like to focus as well for a moment on the mission that immediately preceded the moon landing, apollo 10. This Mission Launched two months before was launched to test all of the components and procedures just short of landing. Carrying the lunar module, it came as close as 50,000 feet from the lunar surface before returning safely to earth. Retired air force general, thomas b. Stafford, an oklahomans, commanded this essential oklahoman, commanded this essential mission that enabled us to land on the moon. General stafford was born in wetherford, oklahoma, and seached a bachelor of science agree from the United StatesNaval Academy in 1952, graduating with honors. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the air force, he completed advanced interceptor training and served tours of duty. He then graduated from the u. S. Air force experimental test flight pilot school as the outstanding graduate and throughout his career, stafford flew more than 100 different types of aircraft as he pushed the boundaries of achievement in air and space. Stafford was selected as an astronaut in 1962, and three years later, flew on gemini 6 e first space rond rendezvous, followed by gemini 9. The apollo. The peaceful cooperation between two cold war rivals was the first step in whats become a sustained relationship between the u. S. , russia, and our International Partners with the International Space station. The last of the Apollo Missions , its lasting impacts reminds us even in times of warfare and global distress that Space Exploration is a Unifying Force of discovery, peace, cooperation, and diplomacy. Beyond all his accomplishments, General Stafford has also become a friend and mentor. To General Stafford, all and all of those who contributed to the success of apollo, you inspired a generation and showed the world what is possible when our nation comes together to focus on an ambitious goal and in turn change the world in both foreseeable and unforeseeable futures. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from florida, mr. Posey, for five minutes. Mr. Posey thank you very much, mr. Speaker. Its a pleasure to be here today to speak about the 50th anniversary of apollo 11. Can remember sitting in class hearing president kennedys speech about why to go to moon at Rice University in 1961 when he committed this country to putting a man on the moon and bringing him safely back to earth within the decade. He said, great nations do things not because theyre easy because theyre hard and it certainly was haard. I remember doing the math on my fingers and saying, you know, im going to be old enough to be involved in that program, and my goal became to have the fingerprints on the rocket that took the first man on the moon. Five years later i was an inspector working on the third stage of the rocket, one of the highlights of my life. Americans have a zeal for space. The apollo moon landing being the greatest Technological Advancement in the history of mankind. Some writers described those times as a cam lot era, where ople respected their president even if they didnt vote for them. Not since 9 11 have i seen americans as united as they were around the Apollo Program. Space, of course, is important to our National Security. Its important to our economic prosperity. Its important to our Technological Advancement i ask people how often they benefit from space and the response usually averages 6 say they benefit from space once a year. 4 say they benefit from space once a month. And only 2 say they benefit from space once a week. And we wont even go to once a day. And i guess those people have roosers in the back yard to give them their weather reports. You know, they dont Pay Attention to the images we have from the satellites. I guess they dont use cell phones or use credit cards or even make cash transactions because those are all satellite linked. And ultimately, space is important to us for the ultimate survival of our species. Neil tyson talked about the benefits of space and while he was here he gave a lecture for staff and members over at the jefferson Buildings Library of congress. Very wellattended and welltaken. During his presentation, he mentioned that space is the only thing Congress Really spends money on to truly benefit the next generation, and i believe that. I believe those are trees that we plant without the expectation of being around to enjoy all the shade. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the science, space, and Technology Committee for helping keep space a bipartisan issue. I hope we can build on the legacy of apollo 11 and someday our children and their children can come together and enjoy positive achievements for their generation and generations to follow. I thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from utah, mr. Mcadams, for five minutes. You, mr. S thank speaker. In the lead up to the apollo 11 moon landings 50th anniversary, people across our country, including many from my state, utah, have been sharing their memories of this historic event. Its inspiration in their lives. Some of the lucky ones when you played a role in helping the Space Program reach this historic achievement. Brigham Young University graduate charlie bunker remembers watching from a common room of a boarding house in downtown did he ever. His companion was an amish gentleman who turned to him and said, do you think the astronauts will really land on the moon . He said yes, he was sure, because he worked at a place where they made the rockets that helped get them there. Charlie was a physicist who remembers as a 19yearold president john f. Kennedys issue his challenge to america to go to the moon. After graduating from college and getting married, charlie landed a job with the Hughes Corporation in los angeles for a starting salary of 8,000 a year. He worked on surveyor, a nasa funding funded program that sent unmanned rockets to the moon. That work led to being hired by Martin Marietta, a denverbased aerospace company. Charlie and his family were living temporarily in the boarding house on the historic history making night of the moon landing. Charlie worked for Martin Marietta for nearly 40 years, including the last few years in utah. When the news asked readers to answer whether they remembered where they were on july 20, 1969, they received hundreds of responses. Several utahans serving in the military wrote, one wrote, quote, i was returning from a Night Mission over the ho chi minh trail in laos as a pilot of a b57. I remember it was a clear night as a full moon. My 1 2 greator and i were listening to the broadcast on Armed Forces Radio at 30,000 feet. Later my wife and i had Neil Armstrong to dinner in paris, i was an attache to france. Another wrote, i was building number 9 manned spacecraft certainty now called the Johnson Spacecraft center in houston. Nasa set up big tv screens and chairs for nasa employees and their friends. I remember the pride and accomplishment of the mission and celebration from nasa engineers and contractors. I remember it like it was yesterday. Apollo 11 and the moon landing was a jewel in nasas crown at the time. It set the foundation for many future american achievements in space. 16 years later, utah senator, jake garn, became the first sitting member of congress to fly in space. When he flew aboard the Space Shuttle discovery as a payload specialist in 1985. The closest i have gotten to the moon to date, anyway, is when as the mayor of Salt Lake County i placed the clark planet tear yum on vault into the planetarium moon rock in the vault. We placed it there under the watchful eye of Law Enforcement to the secure temporary home. Our planetarium is one of many who benefits from the legacy and brings Science Education to life for students in utah. Those students will soon and hopefully become the engineers, mathematicians, and explorers who will chart the next five decades of Space Research and space travel. Here in congress, i am proud to sit on the space, science, and Technology Committee where we continue our forebearers legacy of bipartisan investment in our nations Space Program. Apollo inspired a generation of scientists and americans. Someday soon my four children may become space travelers themselves when Space Tourism became a reality. Theyll stand on the shoulders of the thousands of dedicate the men and women who dreamed the impossible dream and then made it a reality. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from florida, mr. Walls, for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Le 50 years ago this week a group of astronauts launched from Kennedy Space center embarking on a journey of discovery into unchartered territory. Mr. Waltz july 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong took one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind on the surface of the moon. Armstrong and fellow astronaut buzz aldrin spent 2 1 2 hours collecting samples and taking photographs. Critically and importantly they left behind an American Flag and some of the most famous footprints in history, sealing americas place as the leader of the space renaissance and the International Space race. Our journey to outer space was born out of a desire to discover, but that wasnt the only reason we went to the moon. We also went to the moon to compete with russia. Specifically regarding protecting our nations security. That competition still exists today. But it is even more serious now because of our economic and our military dependency on space, and because in addition to russia, we now have china explicitly stating its intent to surpass america as the leader in space. Russia and china have made it clear their intention is not just to explore space but to prepare themselves for conflict. Russia and china both know that they will never be able to take us on tank to tank, carrier to carrier, plane to plane. So they have decided in their National Security strategy to take us out in space if we ever have to come to blows. This is why i fully support the creation of the space force. This is why space has now been declared a war fighting domain. If we dont prepare ourselves, our very way of life will be at significant risk. Our banking, our financial institutions, our global logistics, our Telecommunication Systems all depend on space. So the 21st Century Space race is on. And america must lead. This is why the push for space resources and funding today is absolutely critical. As a member of the House Armed Services committee and the science, space, and Technology Committee i see how National Security and space intersect every day. As a floridian, space is something that is absolutely in my d. N. A. It is from, of course, floridas Kennedy Space center our astronauts launched to the moon. I know that florida will be a key player when we go back to the moon once more in 2024. Military, the u. S. And american industry Work Together to maintain American Leadership in space. In my district in northeast florida, we are very fortunate to have companies who once again will assemble the lunar landers to help nasa get back to the moon. So looking back on this historic moon landing 50 years ago 50 years later, i hope well all remember what an incredible moment this was for our country. Our american values, and American Ingenuity have taken us to new worlds, not just on earth but beyond. It is an honor to celebrate these accomplishments here today, and it is absolutely critical that we continue exploring and we continue innovating. But it is also equally critical that we fully understand that our competitors seek to supplant our leadership role in space. They are not in line with our values. We cannot and will not allow that to happen. Mr. Speaker, i yield my time. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from texas, mrs. Fletcher, for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Speaker. This week we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of apollo 11, the spacecraft that sent americans to the moon. On september 12, 1962, before a crowd of 40,000 spectators at Rice University in houston, president john f. Kennedy announced the ambitious goal of sending americans to the moon before the end of the decade. On july 20, 1969, we got there. Neil armstrong became the first human to set foot on the surface of the moon. And 19 minutes later, buzz aldrin became the second. More than 600 Million People around the world watched armstrong take his first steps on television. The first words they heard on the moon were, houston, Tranquility Base here. The eagle has landed. Followed by the observation, thats one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. As a native houstonian and representative of texas seventh congressional district, these historic words are seared in my mind. The apollo 11 mission was more than just an amazing Technological Advancement. It brought americans from all backgrounds and beliefs together toward a common goal and a common purpose. It made people a part of something bigger than themselves, perhaps bigger than they had ever imagined. More than 400,000 americans worked to make the apollo 11 mission a success. Many of them based at the Johnson Space center in houston. From the support crew to the flight directors at Mission Control to the spacesuit designers, to the human computers, engineers, and scientists who designed and built the hardware and software, to the custodial staff who worked in the building to make sure that they had a place to work, and every small job in between apollo 11 was the result of a Historic Collaboration across our country. The resounding success of the Apollo Program served to captivate the worlds attention and cemented americas status as a leader in scientific discovery and technological innovation. It taught us what we as americans can do, what we can accomplish when we Work Together toward a common goal. What we learned from this mission is that when we do that, even the sky is not the limit. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Weber, for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Texas speaker. I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the apollo 11 mission. In his famous 1961 speech at Rice University in houston, texas, president john f. Kennedy challenged the nation to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. President kennedy spoke these now famous words, quote, we choose to go to the moon on this decade and do other things not because they are easy but because they are hard. End quote. President kennedy understood the importance of American Leadership in space. He added, quote, whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man and only if the United States occupies a position of preeminence can we help decide whether this new ocean will be a sea of peace or a new terrifying theater of war. End quote. Military professionals will tell you that whoever occupies has the upper hand. Folks, there is no Higher Ground than space. America must remain the leader in space. Its just that simple. In 1969 the crew of apollo 11 fulfilled that very mission to put a man on the moon. Today we honor not only the astronauts Neil Armstrong, buzz aldrin, and Michael Collins, but the great all of the great nasa men and women who worked tirelessly to make apollo 11 mission a success. We have learned about the Hidden Figures of the Apollo Program, those behind the scenes. Heres are some more. At the height of the Apollo Program, according to one estimate, one in 50 americans were working on some aspect of the program. His included some 400,000plus fulltime employees. The astronauts knew their lives depended on these people, most of whom they never knew nor would they ever meet that were performing difficult tasks on a very demanding schedule. Over 530 Million People around the globe watched the telecast of armstrongs first steps from 250,000 miles away. Not only did apollo 11 show the world what america can achieve, but it displayed a beautifully unique ability of human Space Exploration. Its capacity to stimulate, to inspire , and to cause people to reach deep inside to find the very best they had to offer, american greatness is a compilation of these things. On that day we spread our message of american greatness around the globe. 08 years ago, the politics compelled us to the challenge of space competition. The world has changed and in todays uncertainty one thing remains certain, the importance of american preeminence in space. Now we turn our focus to a new challenge. We will send americans back to the moon surface by 2024. Only this time to stay. It has been a long time since man walked on the moon. In 2024 we will make history ce again when the first with our great lead the private and public sectors are coming together to accomplish this great and varied difficult task. Through their partnerships american excellence is leveraged across the board. We are building sustainable, reusable systems that will not only take us to the moon but leapfrog us to mars. Our great nasa is bringing democrats and republicans together in what i call american togetherism. Thank god for nasa. Thank you, mr. Texas speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from florida, ms. Wilson, for five minutes. 50 years ago, the apollo 11 mission sent a crew of pioneering women on a ourney of incredible significance. All of these were astronauts. Symbolical hely, it was a representation that with enough hard work, dedication and will, america could achieve the seemingly impossible. The mission left lasting imprints from the eternal footprints left on Tranquility Base to the values engraved into an entire generation. The moon landing inspired all who watched it, to believe in the power of innovation, dedication, and most especially unwavering courage. But today, i want to draw attention to some of the unsung heros of the apollo 11 mission. I will refer to them as the Hidden Figures. Ms. Wilson, ms. Vaughn, ms. Jackson have only recently been recognized for the incredible work they put into the mission that defined generations thanks to the film Hidden Figures. Only ms. Johnson is still alive today to receive our overdue gratitude for these women. Before we begin began carrying calculators in our pockets, the three did manual calculations of astronomical problems using only pen and paper. The specs were high. The working conditions were segregated and intense. Yet, these women produced work at a calendar high enough to send men to the surface of the moon. Thats what i call some black girl magic. Ms. Johnson, ms. Vaughn and ms. Jackson defied intense discrimination and overwhelming adversaries. Apollo missions astro numberically were astronomically high. We did not know them. We did not know them. Im proud to recognize them today on the floor as women of distinction, with unrivaled talent. Im proud to know their contributions of finally being recognized, and on a very important note, as a member of my sew roarity, im proud sorority, im proud to call them my sisters. New found recognition will undoubtedly inspire a generation of known people to pursue stem careers despite whatever odds may be against them. Black girls can learn about the apollo 11 mission and know there are heroes who look just like them. First Generation College students, lowincome children and children of color can understand how its possible to defy the odds with stem. To help make this possible, my longterm friend and colleague from florida, representative posey and, and i worked together to pass the apollo 1150th anniversary commemorative coin act 50th anniversary commemorative coin act, which honors the nasa engineers, astronauts, and americans from every state who made the mission possible. The bill supports College Scholarships for future scientists, engineers and astronauts. The sell of the coin will help promote stem education, Space Exploration and scientific discovery. Im grateful that throughout my lifetime these Hidden Figures have finally been brought into the light and celebrated in the manner they have deserved since 1969. They are no longer hidden. Now we all know them and celebrate them and thank god for their brilliance minutes. Mr. Aderholt thank you, mr. Speaker. Its no secret it was 50 years ago this week that three brave americans stepped on the moon. When we look at our childrens toys today, it is amazing that they contain more Data Processing power than the systems which actually operated the apollo vehicles 50 years ago. These three american astronauts, Neil Armstrong, buzz aldrin, and Michael Collins could not really know whether they would return. They were willing to serve their country and proud for america to be leading the world in space. Even if our Space Program got a strong jumpstart even because of the cold war, this mission was also about the human spirit and the need to explore. The whole world was eager to hear news of the mission. No matter what may happen in the future, this would be the first time human beings would step foot on a world other than our own home. Neil armstrongs description of that mission was a leap, and its fitting today as it is intrusional instructional now. Im excited as my colleagues and Many Americans are of our plans to land again on the moon by 2024. Im very proud of the role that my home state of alabama has played in the development of the most powerful rocket, the a turn family. You it saturn family, you can still see today in huntsville, alabama, a real rocket at the Space Rocket Center in huntsville. Likewise im proud Marshall Space Flight center, including the assembly facility, as the designer and builder of the space launch system. This will be the most powerful rocket in the world. And is approximately 90 finished. The american taxpayers own it and theyll benefit from it as a national asset. It is a successful combined work of private companies and suppliers from virtually every state in the nation. The saturn five rocket was able to execute the Apollo Mission in one launch because of the rockets third stage compelled the lander and reentry vehicle to the moons orbit. Similarly the s. L. S. Upper stage will enable a payload delivery to the moon orbit, including the capsule, a 45 metric tons. Three to four times greater than any other launch vehicle currently in use or close to completion. It can have that capability ready by 2024. But only we can have that ready if we move ahead this year with that goal. Systems like the s. L. S. And orion inspire inspiration. Maybe one day other rockets and capsules will surpass them, but to reach our goal by 2024, we need to stay focused own complete these systems. Some have said in recent years about our going to the moon, we have been there, done that. But with all due respect i would disagree. But this new mission to the moon i would say go there, but dont stop there. Sustainability offers many future benefits, but lets not get distracted for this first human return to the moon. Lets reach the peak. Lets make that landing. As we ponder the future of the moon lets look up again and set a date, a real mission date, for setting foot on mars. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from ohio for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of space flight apollo 11. Mr. Balderson that first landed humankind on the moon. As we all know aboard this mission were american heroes Neil Armstrong, buds aldrin jr. , and Michael Collins. When Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon july 20, 1969, he secured a place in a long proud line of ohioans who have performed aviation first. Beginning with the Wright Brothers and continuing today with the fine scientists at Nasas Glenn Research center, generations much ohioans have consistently led and driven innovation in our country. For centuries ohio has been on the forefront of new technologies and always pushed the boundaries of mankind in the name of exploration. I would be remiss if i did not personally thank those brave astronauts who led the apollo 11 mission 50 years ago for putting their lives on the line in service to their country. When commander armstrong took his first steps on to the moon, surely he couldnt have known that a 7yearold boy from his home state of ohio was watching in amazement with his whole life ahead of him. May our country always remember how profound the apollo 11 moon landings were and still are. May we always honor the crew members, backup crew, support crew, capsule communications, and flight directors who made this mission a success. In may the United States of America Forever remain not only the first but the principal nation of Space Exploration. With that i yield back, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from california, ms. Hill, for five minutes. Ms. Hill thank you, mr. Speaker. Today i rise to honor the 50th anniversary of the apollo 11 series. When i think of apollo 11 im reminded of a feeling that many of us have forgotten in this current time of divisiveness and earning. Apollo 11 reminds me of an america that pulled together. A time when america prioritized impossible dreams because impossible dreams were what built this country. A time when we understood that achieving those impossible dreams was a way to make every child feel prouder to be an american and every adversary feel that our nation loomed larger than they could hope to surmount. As americans we work hard. We get better then we become the best. At its core Space Exploration antimoon landing were rooted in the American Dream and i believe that dream is still worth dreaming today. 50 years later the apollo series and Space Exploration of that time remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. I stand here today as the congresswoman of a district that is incredibly proud of our contributions to space technology, flight, and exploration. Really, our contributions to bringing that dream to life. My district is home to many of Edwards Air Force base workers who are critical to our countrys defense and service. We often say the valley, which is the Aerospace Valley because of how much testing, research, and Development Takes place in our community. The Nasa Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force base made countless contributions to the Nasa Human Space Flight Program during the 1960s from x15 rocket plan hyper Sonic Research program to the Lunar LandingResearch Vehicle, both of which had a direct impact on the Apollo Missions. The first flight of a Lunar LandingResearch Vehicle was in 1964 at edwards. These vehicles were late used at Ellington Air force base to train the apollo flight crew. For my constituents and so many others across the nation, the celebration of the Apollo Mission is the celebration of our history. Its the celebration of people like my grandfather who worked on the thrusters for the lunar lander. From 1961 to 1970 he was involved with Apollo Service module rocket development, qualification, and production. In talking with my grandfather, i have seen how much of a catalyst this work is for our identity as americans. The moon shot gave so many of us something to believe in. And that belief paid off in its enduring impact to scientific discovery and commercial applications. We need to realize that trim up of, that triumph in this generation of americans. My work on the House Armed Services committee has also shown me that the military and our defense capabilities simply dont work any longer without a mastery of space. Our adversaries are on their way to the moon and we have no choice but to be there as well. Thats a vital part of how we maintain our status as the Global Leader that we have always been. To keep our strongest position, we have to have a plan and strategy for space. In doing so, we will inspire a generation of stem workers, many of them young women, people of color, first Generation College students, to be part of something great. Something that defines our identity as americans. We will stimulate our economy, innovate products that stretch beyond use and space, and contribute to our comfort and wellbeing here in america. On the 50th anniversary of apollo, im honored to champion a program that unlocks so much american greatness. Im even more honored to stand with the knowledge that great things are yet to come. Together we can do so much and go so far. Further than we have ever gone before because we can, because we have to, because our security demands it, because without doing so we will never know whats possible. As humans, as americans, we will not let the impossible stop us. Announcer this weekend, American History tv features the 50th anniversary of the apollo 11 mission and moon landing, starting saturday at 7 00 a. M. Eastern, we are live from the Smithsonian National air and space museum on the National Mall with apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins, air and space Museum Director ellen so bad, director of George Washington universitys Space Policy Institute john lawson, and aaron space air and Space Museum Curator harmony. A kennedys moon speech recorded at Rice University in houston. We choose to go to the moon and do the other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Eastern, the 4 00 Smithsonian National air and space museum hosts a discussion with spacesuit testers and designers. Take all the systems of a spacecraft, provide pressure, give you oxygen, scrub carbon dioxide, all those systems, shrink them around a person, you want the person to stay alive, be safe, and get their work done. Announcer at 10 00 p. M. , the 1970s film showing prelift off preparations for apollo 11 and parades for the astronauts after their safe return to earth. 10 seconds and counting. Oxidizer tanks have pressurized. T minus one minute 35 seconds. Completely pressurized. T 60 seconds and counting. 55 seconds and counting. Neilrmstrong armstrong reported back. We hope it will be a good flight. ,nnouncer at 8 00 a. M. Eastern apollo 11 flight director jean krantz talks about training for the mission, spacecraft problems , and the july 20 moon landing. Feeling. T this weird it is chilling. It soaks in through the room. We are actually on the moon. Past alle our nations weekend every weekend, only on cspan3. Former special counsel Robert Muellers on capitol hill next week testifying in backtoback hearings about obstruction of justice and abuse of power by President Trump in russian interference 2016 president ial election. Live all day coverage starts at on cspan. Org or listen with the free cspan radio app. One week before she formally stepped down from office, british Prime Minister theresa may fielding questions from members in the house of commons about climate change, brexit, and allegations of racist rhetoric within the conservative and labour parties. The Prime Minister also reviewed her condemnation of tweets from President Trump about House Democratic lawmakers. Questions of the Prime Minister. Number one mister speaker think you mister speaker the speaker im sure members will want t