119-sres456

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 456 Agreed to Senate

    (ATS) ]

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119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
S. RES. 456

 Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the inaugural flight of Space 
Shuttle Atlantis and recognizing Kennedy Space Center for its economic, 
educational, and cultural contributions to the State of Florida and the 
 United States.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 October 16, 2025

 Mr. Scott of Florida (for himself and Mrs. Moody) submitted the 
 following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

 Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the inaugural flight of Space 
Shuttle Atlantis and recognizing Kennedy Space Center for its economic, 
educational, and cultural contributions to the State of Florida and the 
 United States.

Whereas the Space Shuttle Program, operated by the National Aeronautics and 
 Space Administration (referred to in this preamble as ``NASA'') from 
 1981 to 2011, completed 135 missions over 30 years, enabling 
 construction of the International Space Station, deployment of iconic 
 satellites like the Hubble Space Telescope, and breakthroughs in space 
 science and technology;
Whereas Space Shuttle Atlantis embarked on its inaugural mission (STS-51-J) on 
 October 3, 1985, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, 
 inaugurating a storied career of 33 missions that advanced the 
 leadership of the United States in space;
Whereas the Space Shuttle Program represented a transformative workforce effort, 
 employing tens of thousands of engineers, technicians, and contractors 
 on Florida's Space Coast and across the United States, serving as a 
 cornerstone of Brevard County, Florida's economy for 3 decades;
Whereas NASA's Kennedy Space Center served as the exclusive launch site for 
 every space shuttle mission, including the 33 launches of Atlantis, 
 making Florida the epicenter of human spaceflight during the shuttle 
 era;
Whereas NASA continues to leverage the shuttle-era infrastructure, workforce 
 expertise, and public inspiration to power the Artemis program, which 
 will return astronauts to the Moon and prepare for human missions to 
 Mars;
Whereas the Space Shuttle Program pioneered reusability in spaceflight, landing 
 orbiters on runways, and reshaping the future of human space exploration 
 by demonstrating routine access to space;
Whereas NASA's Kennedy Space Center remains a key driver of Florida's aerospace 
 economy, supporting tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and 
 contributing billions annually to the State's economy, building on the 
 Space Shuttle Program's legacy of economic vitality;
Whereas Atlantis is displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as a 
 one-of-a-kind educational and inspirational exhibit for future 
 generations;
Whereas the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, operated on behalf of NASA by 
 Delaware North, serves more than 1,500,000 guests annually, providing 
 immersive STEM education and commemorative experiences;
Whereas the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, a $100,000,000, 90,000-square-foot 
 marquee attraction that opened on June 29, 2013, offers more than 60 
 interactive experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists, 
 engineers, and explorers;
Whereas, in fiscal year 2021, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex generated 
 approximately $148,300,000 in economic output, supported 1,390 jobs, and 
 drew 960,000 visitors, demonstrating its continuing contribution to 
 Florida's economy; and
Whereas the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex serves as a national venue for 
 remembrance, including NASA's ``Day of Remembrance'', reinforcing 
 Florida's role as steward of the human-spaceflight legacy of the United 
 States: Now, therefore, be it
 Resolved, That the Senate commemorates the year 2025 as the 40th 
anniversary of the inaugural flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and 
recognizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Kennedy 
Space Center for its economic, educational, and cultural contributions 
to the State of Florida and the United States.
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