|
Congressman Boehner’s Remarks on Resolution
Condemning the attack in Tucson, AZ
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
delivered remarks on the House floor today during consideration of a
resolution condemning the tragic shooting in Tucson, AZ and honoring
the victims. Following are Boehner’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Today, we are called here to mourn. An unspeakable act of violence has
taken six innocent lives, and left several more – including our
colleague, Gabrielle Giffords – battling for theirs. These are
difficult hours for our country.
“Among the fallen is Gabe Zimmerman, a member of Congresswoman
Giffords’ staff … a public servant of the highest caliber … one of our
own. “Even in our shock, we are composed and determined to fulfill our
calling to represent our constituents. This is the great cause for
which Gabe gave his life. Like us, Gabe swore on oath to uphold and
defend the Constitution. At the time of the attack, he was engaged in
the most simple and direct of democratic rituals: listening to the
people … to his neighbors.
“The brutality that shattered Saturday morning’s calm was devastating,
but brief. Bravery and quick thinking prevented a massacre, turning
innocent bystanders into heroes. The service and skill of first
responders and medical professionals saved lives. Law enforcement
officials are working to ensure swift justice. Look to Tucson right
now, and you will be reminded that America’s most plentiful source of
wealth and strength is her people.
“We are so thankful Gabby is still with us. We are so thankful that two
of her staffers who were also wounded – Ron Barber and Pam Simon – are
still with us. These are days they were not supposed to see, and we can
only pray there will be more of them.
“In her stead, Gabby’s staff has pressed on, opening for business
Monday morning, right on schedule. The men and women who faithfully
serve the people of Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District have
signaled that no act – no matter how heinous – will stop us from doing
our duty and being among the people we serve.
“To all of the dedicated professionals we rely on to make this
institution work, to each of you: thank you for what you do. To Gabby’s
staff – and their families: please know that our hearts and prayers go
out to you.
“This body has yet to fully register the magnitude of this tragedy. We
feel a litany of unwanted emotions no resolution could possibly
capture. We know that we gather here without distinction of party. The
needs of this institution have always risen above partisanship. And
what this institution needs right now is strength – holy, uplifting
strength. The strength to grieve with the families of the fallen, to
pray for the wounded, and to chart a way forward, no matter how painful
and difficult it may be.
“Today it is not ceremony, but tragedy that stirs us to renew our
commitment to fulfill our oaths of office. Let us not let this inhuman
act frighten us into doing otherwise. The free exchange of ideas is the
lifeblood of our democracy, as prescribed by the First Amendment, that
beacon of free expression Congresswoman Giffords recited in this well
just days ago. These rights have not been handed down by dictate – they
have been preserved and protect through generations of hard sacrifice
and commitment. We will continue this unfinished work.
“We will do it for Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis
Schneck, and Dorwan Stoddard, ordinary citizens who died participating
in their democracy. We will do it for Judge John Roll. We will do it
for Gabe Zimmerman. And we will do it, God-willing, with Gabrielle
Giffords.
“Our hearts are broken, but our spirit is not. This is a time for the
House to lock arms, in prayer for those fallen and wounded, and in
resolve to carry on the dialogue of democracy. We may not yet have all
the answers, but we already have the answer that matters most: that we
are Americans, and together we will make it through this. We will have
the last word.
“God bless this House. God bless this Congress. God bless America.”
|
|
|
|
