January 12, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Craig Stevens

(202) 225-3671

www.house.gov/weldon

Weldon Welcomes Florida Leaders to Space Coast for Summit on Space Issues

Gov. Bush, Sens. Graham and Mack, and NASA Administrator Dan Goldin to
attend summit

MELBOURNE, FL — On Friday, January 14, 2000, a number of federal, state,
and local officials will meet at Kennedy Space Center to discuss ways to
maintain and enhance Florida’s leadership in space. Co-chaired by U.S.
Senator Bob Graham (D-FL) and U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Palm Bay), the
officials will discuss NASA’s budget, the International Space Station, the
Space Shuttle, future manned and robotic missions, the Kennedy Space Center,
the Spaceport Florida Authority, and what the State of Florida needs to do
to position itself to lead the world in access to space well into the 21st
century.

“I would like to welcome Senators Graham and Mack, Governor Bush, Lieutenant
Governor Brogan, and Congressman Davis to the Space Coast,” Rep. Weldon said
from Florida. “We are fortunate to have each of them here on-site at the
most prestigious launch facility in the world. This Space Summit comes at a
time when were are looking to greater investment and commercialization of
space. This is an exciting time for everyone active in our state’s space
program as we begin to conceptualize our position in the growing space
marketplace.”

Weldon continued, “This is a great opportunity for all of us to discuss and
begin to evaluate strategies as we enter into the next legislative session.
I would like to thank Senator Graham and his staff for a taking a lead in
setting up this summit. I have been very pleased with the excellent working
relationship that Senator Graham and I have developed on space issues over
the past few years. Together we have been working towards the common goal
of promoting Florida’s space industry.”

The Summit participants will be available to speak with the media
immediately following the conclusion of the event at approximately 2:30 PM
EST.

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