President Signs Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial Act into Law<br /><br />The Columbia Orbiter Memorial Act, born in the legislation introduced in March in the Senate by Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), and in the House of Representatives by C.W. Bill Young (R-Fla.), was signed into law by the President last Wednesday. <br /><br />NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe said, "The actions by the Congress and the President to honor the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia is heartfelt by the entire NASA family and by the entire country. A national memorial in the Nation's capital will serve as a reminder about what the crew of Columbia stood for, bravery, honor, and the quest for knowledge. I feel it will help inspire future explorers and help keep the spirit of exploration alive in America. We at NASA are grateful for the support from Senator Stevens and Congressman Young for the timely and thoughtful legislation and their caring approach to commemorate the Columbia crew." <br /> <br />Bush signed the "Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003" into law on April 16, 2003. The "Columbia Orbiter Memorial Act" is contained in what is now Public Law Number 108-11. <br /><br />The memorial will be placed in the Arlington National Cemetery near the memorial to the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger.