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Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Brian Babin (TX-36) spoke on the House floor today to wish NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly the best as he prepares to make history tomorrow when he embarks on a year-long mission to the International Space Station. Babin, who represents the Johnson Space Center in Congress, previously met with Scott Kelly several times to discuss his upcoming mission. To view video of Babin’s House floor speech, please click here. The transcript of his speech is as follows:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw the American people’s attention to NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly as he prepares to make history tomorrow when he embarks on a year-long mission to the International Space Station.

“As the proud representative of Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Kelly several times to discuss his historic mission. This will mark the first time an American has spent an entire year continuously in space.

“On the eve of this important moment – I’d like to thank Mr. Kelly for his heroic commitment, leadership and dedication to advancing America’s human space flight program.

“His mission to the International Space Station provides a tremendous boost to our human space flight program while furthering our understanding of the effects of the longer-term exposure to weightlessness has on the body. This understanding will pave the way for crewed missions to Mars.

“On behalf of a proud American public, Scott, we wish you all the best. Thank you, and I yield back.”