On the recordJune 15, 2016
Through the Chair, I thank the Senator for the question, and let me say that I think that is why we are here. I think that is why we are here. This was just backbreaking. The idea of this body moving on as if it is just business as usual after the worst mass shooting in the history of this Nation, coming on the heels of the second and the third and the fourth worst mass shootings in the history of this country, was unacceptable. I think the reason that I am here with Senator Blumenthal, Senator Booker, Senator Durbin, why you are here, why Senator Markey has now joined us, why Senator Manchin was here, why Senator Schumer was here, and why so many others will be coming to ask questions of me later today, is because there is no option other than action. The idea that we wouldn't even try, the idea that the leadership of this body wouldn't even schedule a debate this week to try to find common ground instead of just moving on as if it didn't happen, is the only thing that is truly unacceptable. I thank the Senator. I yield to the Senator from Massachusetts for a question without losing my right to the floor. (Mr. CRUZ assumed the Chair.)
