WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement commending NASA on the success of the final shuttle launch:

“As these astronauts head into space on the shuttle’s final take-off, I want to extend my best wishes to the many men and women at NASA who have worked so hard to make this last launch a success,” Rockefeller said. “Today we sent into space a piece of American history—a shuttle that will long be remembered for its historic missions. As I congratulate NASA on this memorable launch, I also look forward to working with America’s space program in future missions—missions to advance scientific discovery and pursue human exploration in a new and sustainable way. Our space past has led to major scientific successes and discoveries, and I anticipate NASA’s future to be a celebrated one—leading the way in research, creating new jobs and inspiring and educating our future generation of explorers."

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