On the recordNovember 16, 2015
I stand in the well of the House witnessed by the portraits of George Washington and his protege, an invaluable ally to America, the Marquis de Lafayette. On Friday, November 13, the world watched in horror as they witnessed the terrorist attacks in Paris that claimed the lives of 129 civilians from over 15 different countries. These brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, friends and loved ones, whose lives were taken away too soon from us and those who were gravely wounded from this attack will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and friends, and the strong resilient people of France. This massacre at the hands of barbarous terrorists was an attack on the civilized world, and we will not let these horrific actions stand. We stand strong. Today the flags at the U.S. Capitol fly at half-staff. We stand in solidarity with France, honor the victims of this attack, and in the call to combat this massing menace, place our undying faith in our two democracies bound together by young Lafayette's faithful and courageous service. ____________________
