WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today welcomed Senate passage of her bill to honor the life and legacy of West Virginia native and famed mathematician Katherine Johnson. The legislation—which passed the Senate by voice vote—would rename the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Facility in Fairmont, West Virginia, after Johnson.

“We’re one step closer to renaming Fairmont’s NASA IV&V facility after Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician and true trailblazer,” Senator Capito said. “I’m thrilled that the Senate recognized her incredible contributions—not only to West Virginia but also to the country and the science community—and passed this legislation with such overwhelming support.”

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.