Sheila Jackson Lee: “Well, first of all, it is my honor and privilege to thank Congresswoman Plaskett for her ongoing leadership in speaking…”

“Well, first of all, it is my honor and privilege to thank Congresswoman Plaskett for her ongoing leadership in speaking to our colleagues and the American people. Let me take a moment of personal privilege to say to her that, over the weekend in Texas, I was with a number of individuals from the Virgin Islands, and it certainly was my first task to tell them of the excellent representation that they were getting by her leadership on so many issues. But to you, I want to say that we were at the commissioning of the USS Gabrielle Giffords, and proudly so. The commander of that ship is from the Virgin Islands, so there was a contingent of individuals from all over the country for recognizing the commander and his wife. Let me say that I made sure that those sailors knew who was supporting them as well. It certainly was a great honor to former Congresswoman Giffords, and there wasn't a dry eye as we did that. So I just wanted to add that and thank you for your indulgence of that. If I might, let me also acknowledge my colleague on the floor, Congresswoman Val Demings, and Floridians who are here, just to make note of the commemoration of the tragedy at the Pulse Nightclub. {time} 1945 This is the area in which the Congresswoman policed, if you will, and her spouse still there leads the community in law enforcement. I will honor to those who lost their lives, but to the recognition that terrorism and hateful acts are not to be accepted by any of us.…”