Moment of Silence to Honor Three Lives Lost At University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Floor Speech

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Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I invite all of my colleagues to join me and the members of the Nevada delegation in honoring the three precious lives that were lost to a heinous act of gun violence on December 6, 2023, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where I taught in the political science department for 35 years.

Patricia Navarro Velez, an assistant professor of accounting at the university and a mother of four, devoted her career to educating the next generation of business professionals, particularly among underserved populations and minorities. She is remembered for her infectious smile and her larger-than-life personality.

Cha Jan ``Jerry'' Chang, a professor of management information systems and devoted UNLV colleague for more than 20 years, was known for his even-keeled, positive, and unwavering presence. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Naoko Takemaru was an associate professor of Japanese studies and a noted author, academic, and award-winning educator. In her 20th year at UNLV, Ms. Takemaru's colleagues remembered her as lionhearted in kindness.

Today, I stand here in solidarity with my colleagues from Nevada with a heavy heart for the victims, their families, and all of the UNLV students, faculty, and staff who experienced this horrific event.

Mr. Speaker, we honor the lives we lost and uplift the UNLV community during this trying time.

I ask that we not only use this time to commemorate the important and selfless contributions of each of these individuals who were part of the UNLV community and also to remember the heroic actions of our law enforcement, but also to reflect on the pressing need to enact commonsense legislation to protect our communities from the epidemic of gun violence.

I ask all of my colleagues to consider signing on to a resolution to this effect, which I will be introducing tonight.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House observe a moment of silence to honor the three lives lost and to uplift the UNLV community.

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