National Pulse Memorial

Floor Speech

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Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, this is a somber moment, and I thank the gentleman from Florida for not only his passion but his recognition that America should never forget.

I thank the Speaker pro tempore for letting us remember all the faces and families and loved ones that were impacted. Forty-nine lives, I believe, were taken in one moment, with an act of violence by a crazed gunman, with a gun.

We have been trying to stand in the gap, with background checks passed the very first moment under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi, gun violence legislation that has no impact on the Second Amendment but seeks to derail the kind of crazed gunman that was able to take these lives before first responders could come.

I remember hearing the stories of families waiting outside of the Pulse nightclub, saying they heard from their loved one but had not seen them because they were making their last-minute cries for help.

This memorial would say to America that we are not a nation of bigots, of xenophobia, racism, hatred. We are a nation of respect and dignity.

I know the families of those who died at the Pulse nightclub are still in pain and will never forget.

But it is the duty of the United States Congress, with our voices raised, to say that the book that I have been holding on to over the last 2 days, to fight for justice in policing, to talk about D.C. statehood, this book, this Constitution, which George Washington said he would use as a guide, that he would never abandon, everyone has the right to decency and life and due process.

I enthusiastically support this legislation to give dignity to the lives, and for America never to forget those lives, at the Pulse nightclub.

Madam Speaker, as a senior member of the House of Representatives, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3094, ``To designate the National Pulse Memorial located at 1912 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32806, and for other purposes.''

I am voting for H.R. 3094 because it not only memorializes and honors the 49 people who tragically lost their lives from this horrific act of violence, but it also stands as a symbol to the LGBTQ+ community, to our Latino community, to our nation, and to the world, that we will not stand for or tolerate acts of hatred against marginalized persons.

Madam Speaker, you will remember that the Pulse nightclub shooting took place on June 12th, 2016 in Orlando, Florida when a gunman shot and killed 49 people and injured 53 others.

It was the single deadliest known violent attack on both the LGBTQ+ community and our Latino community.

The Pulse nightclub was a haven for the LGBTQ community to live, love, and dance.

They came for music, celebration and fellowship.

Over four dozen would leave the Pulse Nightclub with their names added to a list of fatal victims of gun violence .

In the aftermath, we saw communities come together and support one another.

We saw doctors, first responders, and friends rush to save the wounded.

Others donated funds, supplies, and even their blood.

There were countless murals and other artworks, gifts, and letters left at impromptu memorial sites, paying tribute to the victims and survivors.

Our nation refused to let hate win.

We came together in the form of thousands of candlelight vigils to grieve, remember, and heal.

By passing H.R. 3094 today, we seek to create a permanent reminder that this act of violence and other heinous instances of bigotry are not emblematic of America or its true values.

It will also remind us that it is our duty as a society to be better and do better in terms of standing up against hate in all its forms.

I ask all members to join me in voting for H.R. 3094, ``To designate the National Pulse Memorial located at 1912 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32806, and for other purposes.''

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