“I want to express my deepest sympathy to the families of the space shuttle astronauts.  They were profoundly committed to advancing our space program, despite its inherent danger, because of the extraordinary importance of their work.  Today America is again tested by tragedy, and we as a nation are united in our common grief.  

“At the time of the tragedy, I was hosting a record number of Democratic House Members at our annual issues conference in the Pennsylvania mountains.  Debate turned to prayers, strategizing to sympathizing.  The loss of these courageous men and women underscored for all of us the importance of the mission we shared -- improving the future for all Americans. 

Their contributions and sacrifice will not go unheralded.”

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