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Statement from AIA President and CEO John W. Douglass on the Columbia Tragedy

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 3- - The aerospace industry is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the Columbia. This is a terrible tragedy for the families and loved ones of the astronauts and for the nation. We will do all we can to support our colleagues at NASA during this difficult time and will work with NASA as they move forward to find the cause of the accident.

Today, the administration's FY'04 budget for NASA is being delivered to Congress. We know that every line item in the budget will receive intense scrutiny in light of Saturday's terrible accident. We also know that the budget that the President is submitting has been developed in an environment of great concern for national security, homeland defense, and other urgent needs.

As NASA comes to grips with this tragic event, we have supreme confidence that our nation will make the right decisions for NASA and the U.S. space program. Sean O'Keefe is a talented and able administrator, and with support from the President and the Congress, will ensure that America continues its journey into space and remains the world's leader in aerospace.

P.A. Rel 2003-02

02.03.03

-AIA-

Contact: Matt Grimison, AIA
(202) 371-8548
matt.grimison@aia-aerospace.org