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Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington				Feb. 12, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-069

JOINT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING RESULTS IN SECOND
CHARTER AMENDMENT FOR GEHMAN BOARD

     Based on the recommendations from congressional leaders at 
today's joint hearing into the Space Shuttle Columbia accident, NASA 
Administrator Sean O'Keefe today issued a second amendment to the 
charter of the Space Shuttle Accident Investigation Board. The 
independent panel is led by Admiral Hal Gehman and is known as the 
Gehman Board.

The changes to the charter removes any requirement, either real or 
perceived, that asks Admiral Gehman to coordinate or await approval 
from NASA for any dimension of the panel's investigation.

Administrator Sean O'Keefe appeared before a joint committee hearing 
co-chaired by U.S. Senator John McCain, who chairs the Senate 
Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and U.S. 
Representative Sherwood Boehlert, who chairs the House Science 
Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.

At the hearing, Rep. Boehlert said, "The words of the charter simply 
do not guarantee the independence and latitude that both the 
Administrator and the Admiral have sincerely promised. The charter's 
words need to match everyone's intent now to avoid any problems later. 
I also continue to believe that several more members should be added 
to the Board to ensure that it has the appropriate breadth of 
experience and expertise."

As a result of the recommendations, the Gehman Board charter was 
amended a second time. "I want to thank Rep. Boehlert and the rest of 
the congressional leadership for their insight and concern. There 
should be no doubt as to the independent nature of this investigative 
body," added Administrator O'Keefe. "NASA will do whatever it takes to 
ensure the integrity of the Gehman Board as it works to identify the
cause of this horrific accident."

A copy of the amended charter and the complete text of Administrator 
O'Keefe's opening statement are available on the Internet at 
www.nasa.gov/columbia/COL_resources.html.

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