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2 on Space. The National Commission on Space reported over a year ago, and still do not have NASA's response to it. Last Monday, the front page of the Washington Post contained headlines that proclaimed that the Soviets are making steady gains in space due to their tried-and-true technology and their willingness to take greater risk. Now we must be willing to take greater risk - not risks to life but risks to our national commitment to a future space program. We cannot let the present budgetary difficulties be so preoccupying that we cannot look beyond the immediate horizons. Well, today we're going to look beyond those horizons, thanks to Sally. We're going to hear from Dr. Ride, who has recently completed a study of four major initiatives in space that can be undertaken over the next 20 years. Now, this is the kind of thinking that ought to be given some high visibility. This is the kind of thinking that ought to have been given the high visibility on the Paine Commission report, and so we're going to try again. What we want is widespread public debate about these initiatives. We don't want this to get buried in some bureaucratic maze in the Office of Management and Budget or the OSTP, or the Economic Policy Council, or any of these other organizations who love to get their fingers into the national space program. The American people deserve to hear the thoughts of their leaders on the future of our space program. So, Dr. Ride, we look forward to your testimony. I want to call on my colleauge, Mr. Walker, our ranking member, for his comments. Mr. WALKER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a fairly lengthy statement here and I would ask unanimous consent that it be considered in the-- Mr. NELSON. Without objection. Mr. WALKER. Just let me make a couple of comments here at the outset. Today we are going to hear from Dr. Ride about four possible initiatives that will carry us into the next session-into the next century. They are imaginative missions, but even they are not really a long-term program goal. What we need to teach the American public is that this program doesn't spend money in space; what we do is we create jobs through space activities. We develop technology that keeps the American economy strong. We bolster American competitiveness abroad, provide American leadership throughout the world in science and technology. As you look around this room today, you see examples of American accomplishments in space so far. We all remember the pride Americans took in each success that has been represented here today. Let's start today to build a consensus in this Congress and in America that will establish real goals for our Nation's future. [The prepared opening statement of Mr. Walker follows:]
