To rename the Guam South Elementary/Middle School of the Department of Defense Domestic Dependents Elementary and Secondary Schools System in honor of Navy Commander William "Willie" McCool, who was the pilot of the Space Shuttle Columbia when it was tragically lost on February 1, 2003.

H.R. 672 in the 108th Congress (2003–2004) became law — introduced on Feb 11, 2003, sponsored by Madeleine Z. Bordallo with 26 co-sponsors.

During the 108th Congress (2003–2004), George W. Bush was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Status: Became law
Introduced: Feb 11, 2003
Co-sponsors: 26
Policy area: Commemorations
Public law: Public Law 108-13

What it does

Designates the Guam South Elementary/Middle School of the Department of Defense Domestic Dependents Elementary and Secondary Schools System in Apra Heights, Guam, as the "Commander William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School," in honor of William C. McCool, who was a commander in the U.S. Navy and pilot of the Space Shuttle Columbia when it was tragically lost on February 1, 2003.

Summary by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.

Sponsor

Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU). Co-sponsors: 18 Democrats, 8 Republicans.

Where it stands

IntroducedFeb 11, 2003
Passed the HouseFeb 26, 2003
Passed the SenateApr 7, 2003
Sent to the PresidentApr 10, 2003
Became lawApr 22, 2003

Latest action: Became Public Law No: 108-13. (Apr 22, 2003)

More bills from Madeleine Z. Bordallo in the 108th Congress

Other Commemorations bills in the 108th Congress

Committees

Armed Services Committee

From GovInfo bill records, Congressional Research Service summaries, Voteview roll calls and lobbying reports.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “H.R. 672 (108th Congress): To rename the Guam South…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/bill/108-hr-672/to-rename-the-guam-south-elementary-middle-school-of (accessed 2026-10-17).