Press Releases

Congresswoman Kendra Horn (D-OK), Chairwoman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, and Ranking Member Brian Babin (R-TX) introduced two bipartisan resolutions that honor the American accomplishment of being the first – and only – country to land humans on the surface of the Moon by commemorating the date of the first moonwalk.

On July 20, 1969, millions of earth-bound observers looked on as the Apollo 11 crew, made up of Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, successfully traveled the 240,000-mile trek to the lunar surface. House Joint Resolution 59 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission by designating the 20th of July “National Space Exploration Day” and House Concurrent Resolution 59 honors specifically the 50th anniversary.

“Apollo 11 was indeed a giant leap,” Chairwoman Horn said. “It inspired and continues to inspire generations to explore. The discoveries and technology that come out of America’s investment in space not only help us better understand the universe but fundamentally change our modern life. Apollo 11 is one of America’s greatest achievements, and I’m proud to work with Ranking Member Babin, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in the House and the Senate, to co-sponsor this resolution.”

“To think of what was accomplished in such a short amount of time inspires me to imagine what we are capable of doing in the next 50 years – and longer,” said Ranking Member Babin. “I look forward to working with Chairwoman Horn to ensure we do everything we can to continue the push outward in the quest for knowledge.”

President Kennedy challenged Congress in 1961 to “land a man on the Moon and return him safely to Earth,” and to do so “before the decade is out.” America rose to the challenge. We assembled the best and brightest to overcome the scientific and technological hurdles in building the programs and systems necessary to achieve the goal – and did so largely from scratch. First with the Mercury Program, then Gemini, and finally Apollo, nearly a half-million patriots contributed to sending Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins to the lunar surface on July 20, 1969 – and our five subsequent trips.

We didn’t stop there. The American spirit that got us to the Moon also carried us into different eras of exploration. The Space Shuttle, International Space Station, Voyager, Viking, New Horizons, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, the Hubble Telescope, and others, all encompass the same spirit of exploration that was displayed on July 20, 1969. The technical and scientific developments teach us fundamental truths about the universe, while also providing technologies and spinoffs that make life easier. America’s investment in space grows our economy, creates new jobs, and even new industries. These advancements in space exploration continue to inspire us to breakthrough boundaries. 

In addition to Horn and Babin, Congressmen Jim Cooper (D-TN) and Doug Lamborn (R-CO) are original co-sponsors of House Joint Resolution 59. 

Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and John Cornyn (R-TX) have authored the companion bill to House Concurrent Resolution 47 in the Senate.