Chris Dodd: “even though the Senate is extremely busy with respect to consideration of the Senate budget resolution, the recent…”

“even though the Senate is extremely busy with respect to consideration of the Senate budget resolution, the recent tragedy in Spain makes it terribly important that the Senate pause from its regular business this afternoon to speak with one voice about our profound outrage and sorrow with respect to what transpired just a few short hours ago in Madrid. The resolution which has been introduced by Senators Frist, Daschle, myself, and others is an opportunity for the Senate to send its condolences to the people of Spain. I would also like to bring to the attention of my colleagues that a book of condolences will be open at the Embassy of Spain tomorrow, March 12, and Monday, March 15. In addition, a funeral service for the victims of this heinous attack will be held at St. Matthews Cathedral on Monday, March 15, at 5:30 p.m. Mr. President, I know I join all my colleagues when I express how deeply disturbed I am by today's bombings in the Spanish capital of Madrid, and I strongly condemn those responsible for what is a heinous crime against human life. These horrific attacks--the deadliest in Spain's history--have now left over 180 innocent people dead and more than 900 wounded. Such carnage is almost unimaginable, and I know that I join with all Americans in expressing my outrage over these acts of violence. I also join with my fellow Americans in expressing my solidarity with the Spanish people and the families of the innocent victims.”