On the recordNovember 30, 2011
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 364, which will name HVC-215 after Gabe Zimmerman. January 8, 2011, was a dark day in our country's history. Six of our citizens lost their lives, and Congresswoman Giffords and many others were severely injured during a senseless act of violence. There is nothing this House can do to ease the pain of the families and friends who lost loved ones that day. For them, Tucson's painful memories may never fully recede. What we can do is continue to honor those we lost--Gabe Zimmerman, Christina Taylor Green, John Roll, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, and Dorwan Stoddard--and make sure they are never forgotten. The loss of Gabe Zimmerman affected this body deeply. We all know staffers like Gabe--tireless public servants who work long hours and weekends for modest pay. Congressional offices wouldn't be able to function without people like Gabe. Yet they rarely receive the credit they deserve. Shortly after the shooting, Gabe's friend C.J. told the Los Angeles Times about a visit he and Gabe made to the Lincoln Memorial. He said, ``When we went to the Lincoln Memorial on a cold, damp January morning, the wind whipped through the place, and it was freezing cold, but Gabe had to read every single word of the Gettysburg Address . . . He put his all into his work. He put his all into his life.'' Madam Speaker, Gabe's life was cut too short, but his life will be forever honored.…
