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Space Shuttle Columbia

Lawmakers vow to investigate shuttle disaster

Voice support for space program

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi

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SPECIAL REPORT
•  Audio Slide Show: Shuttle lost
•  Timeline: Investigation
•  Gallery: New safety guidelines
•  Gallery: Columbia crew
•  Report: Findings, counsel

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Top U.S. lawmakers, expressing grief following the space shuttle Columbia disaster, promised to take steps to prevent such a tragedy from happening again -- but not to curtail U.S. efforts to explore space.

"It is now a top priority to determine the causes behind this tragedy," said Sen. Sam Brownback, chairman of the Senate Space, Science and Technology Subcommittee.

"As NASA determines what went so terribly wrong, we will be diligent in doing everything we can in the Congress to give NASA all the support it needs to make sure we press forward with scientific advances, and that nothing like this happens again," the Kansas Republican said.

"Our prayers are with the family members, friends and colleagues of the seven astronauts. Those we lost today are heroes."

Sen. George Allen, R-Virginia, echoed those words. "Today is a sad day for the world," he said. "Our first concern is for comfort of the heartbroken, grieving families and dear friends of the seven astronauts who perished in this catastrophic failure. Second, like all of us who watched the horror of this tragedy, I believe to insure the safety of all future missions we must determine the cause."

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas called space flight "the most dangerous and daring endeavor human beings have ever attempted.

"For that reason, astronauts, on the strength of their daring and devotion, have always held a special place in our hearts and our dreams," he said. "As the most fitting tribute to their courageous service and sacrifice, let us recommit ourselves to the defining dream that dominated their lives: a bold vision for America in space."

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-New York, said the astronauts' mission "was their parting gift to the world."

"We mourn the loss of these five brave men and two women, but we are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice," she said, adding that the address President Bush delivered to the nation following the tragedy will bring comfort to NASA employees "who are immediately and resiliently going about the difficult task of finding out what happened to their co-workers during this difficult time."

Lawmakers extended condolences to Israelis, who share in the tragedy. Among the seven onboard the shuttle was Colonel Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli to travel to space.

"America's collective heart goes out to the families of those lost in today's tragedy. From America to Israel, you are in our thoughts and prayers," Rep. Mark Foley, R-Florida, said. "As a member of Congress, I'll do everything possible to ensure NASA has whatever it needs to prevent this from happening again."

More than 150 House Democrats were meeting at an issues conference in Pennsylvania when they heard the news.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the seven astronauts," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. "Our nation and the world are devastated... I hope it is a comfort to the families who have lost their loved ones that the whole world mourns their loss and is praying for them at this sad time."

"These courageous astronauts were pioneers in a grand tradition of space exploration whose mission -- to improve our lives through unprecedented scientific breakthroughs, life-saving medical research, and building international cooperation -- is only accomplished through the heroic commitment of such brave men and women."

She added, "Our prayers are with President Bush at this time of sorrow for our country. We extend our deepest sympathy to Prime Minister Sharon for the loss of the first Israeli astronaut in space."

Comparison to Challenger disaster

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland compared the disaster to the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986, and said he shares in grieving those lost aboard the Columbia.

"These bright stars of our space program were aware of the risks that they took by going into space but that did not lessen their commitment to this program," he said.

"My thoughts and prayers are with them and with their families."

Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Connecticut, cancelled his scheduled presidential campaign trip through Iowa on Sunday and Monday, a campaign spokesman said, adding that Lieberman felt it would be inappropriate "in this time of national tragedy."

Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, said, "This terrible loss is a reminder that we can never take for granted the sacrifice of heroes. We extend our condolences to the families of these American patriots and their decorated Israeli colleague at this time of profound sadness."

McCain said he had "the utmost confidence that NASA will conduct a thorough and complete investigation of this tragedy."

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, told CNN she thinks Congress will hold hearings on the disaster.

"I think clearly anytime we are pushing the envelope in science and technology, there are going to be tragedies," Hutchison said. "We need to appreciate these wonderful test pilots who are doing so much for our country."


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