Bush Delivers on Pledge, Revives Space Unit

President Bush, vowing to “keep America first in space,” made good on a campaign promise and signed an order Thursday re-establishing the National Space Council.

At a ceremony with council members, Bush said that 20 years ago “an entire generation of Americans was inspired by the space program. We must continue on the path we’ve blazed in earlier decades with a renewed dedication.”

Bush designated Vice President Dan Quayle as chairman of the council. Other members include the secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, Commerce and Transportation, the budget director, the director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the White House national security adviser and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.