Booker, Menendez Introduce Resolution Honoring New Jersey Astronaut Scott Kelly

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) has introduced a resolution along with Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) congratulating NASA astronaut Scott Kelly on his record-breaking year in space and thanking him for his service to the United States and his contribution to science. The resolution was introduced following Kelly’s return to Earth after a 340-day voyage aboard the International Space Station — a record for the longest amount of time any American has spent in space.
“This is a proud moment for New Jersey and for our country as we celebrate Scott Kelly’s safe return home,” said Sen. Booker. “This resolution honors his outstanding contribution to science and exploration in the name of international cooperation. I am extremely proud to welcome this fellow New Jerseyean and lover of science home and I congratulate him on his record-breaking voyage.”
“When we think about New Jersey pride, we should immediately think about record-breaking space explorer Scott Kelly,” said Sen. Menendez. “As he returns with 100,000,000 miles of space travel under his belt, we must commend his dedication to science and exploration, and be grateful that a man of his caliber is representing our state and our country to infinity and beyond.”
In 1996, Scott Kelly and his twin brother, Mark Kelly, entered Astronaut Group 16 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Johnson Space Center. Prior to his record-breaking trip, Scott Kelly spent over 180 days in space over the course of 3 space flights. On March 27, 2015, Scott Kelly and cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko launched into space for a 340-day mission aboard the International Space Station. This mission will enable the understanding of the physical, behavioral, microbiological, and molecular reaction of the human body to an extended period of time in space, which will be pivotal for future space exploration. Scott Kelly returned to Earth late yesterday Eastern Time.
U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) are also cosponsors of the resolution.