On the recordOctober 7, 2015
Yesterday the Members of this House gathered once again for a moment of silence. This time it was for the nine Americans killed last week in the mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon. Yet, our brief moment of silence pales in comparison to the never- ending silence that the families who lost loved ones are to endure today and every day from now on. What they wouldn't give to hear the voices of their loved ones again. What they wouldn't give to hear their laughter once more. My friends, a moment of silence that lasts 30 seconds is, quite literally, the least that we can do. It is not enough. I know I can't speak for the House, but I can speak for myself. I will do everything I can--everything I can--to prevent more of our loved ones from being silenced by gun violence. If we want to prevent more gun violence moments of silence on this House floor, then we must speak out. We must call out the gun industry and the groups that represent it on Capitol Hill for blocking every meaningful attempt to stop this gun violence. The time for silence, Mr. Speaker, is over. ____________________
