Press Releases

Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) released the following statement in commemoration of the 20^th anniversary of the Columbia disaster:

“Twenty years ago, our nation gathered together to celebrate the return of seven of our finest astronauts from a nearly 16-day mission into Space. This day quickly turned to tragedy upon the disintegration of the space shuttle, Columbia, over East Texas during reentry. Nearly immediately, East Texans joined forces with NASA personnel to gather debris and ensure that the shuttle, and her crew, made it home one last time. Thank you to all who participated in the recovery efforts for these seven individuals who were lost in pursuit of space exploration. East Texans will never forget this dreadful date and will continue praying for the families and loved ones of the seven heroes lost.”

Congressman Moran delivered a speech on the House Floor in commemoration of the 20^th anniversary of the disaster, available HERE.

Background information:

On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated across East Texas during reentry after a piece of foam broke off during launch, damaging the spacecraft’s thermal protection system. The shuttle and the seven astronauts on board were lost during the reentry. A majority of the debris from the disaster landed in the First Congressional District of Texas.

Following the disaster, recovery efforts were led by NASA Launch Director, Michael Leinbach. Volunteers from across East Texas joined NASA personnel in recovering debris.

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About Congressman Moran:

Congressman Nathaniel Moran moved to rural East Texas just a few months before he turned two years old. Congressman Moran attended the United States Military Academy at West Point for two years before transferring to Texas Tech University, where he ultimately earned his B.A., MBA, and law degree. Upon graduation from law school, Nathaniel and his wife Kyna moved to Tyler, where Nathaniel began practicing law and Kyna began teaching elementary school. He would go on to become a small business owner in Tyler – running both a law firm and a staffing company.

Congressman Moran began his career in public service as a member of the Tyler City Council from 2005-2009. In 2016, Nathaniel was appointed as the Smith County Judge. During his time as Judge, he served as presiding officer of the Commissioners Court, Chief Budget Officer, judge of the Constitutional County Court, Chair of the Juvenile Board, Head of Emergency Management, and Chief Administrative Officer of the County. In 2018, he was elected to a full four-year term as County Judge. He continued in this role until his election to U.S. Congress in 2022.

 Congressman Moran and his wife, Kyna, are the proud parents of four school-aged children.