Sheila Jackson Lee: “Just a few minutes ago, Members stood on the steps of the United States Congress, reminiscent of the unity of this…”

“Just a few minutes ago, Members stood on the steps of the United States Congress, reminiscent of the unity of this Nation and the words of our Pledge of Allegiance that we stand united. I rise to offer words of condolence and remembrance for the 500,000 lives taken by COVID-19. The Nation, over the last 12 months, has faced a crucible of suffering, death, and disease that has taken lives, devastated the economy, and put millions at risk of greater hardship due to the death of a loved one, unemployment, loss of healthcare or forgone education opportunities. I continue to remember the little 4-year-old boy in Texas who lost both of his parents; or those who continue to mourn losing a mom, dad, husband, wife, children, yes, and siblings. Yesterday, as the news broke that this Nation has lost 500,000--more than World War I, World War II, the Korean war, and the Vietnam war--my heart was heavy, and this loss is a sad mark. So I come today to this floor to say to those who have lost: You will never be forgotten. To those who remain: Your loved one will never be forgotten. Their lives will not be in vain. Their deaths will not be in vain. And though these are staggering proportions, our commitment as the United States Congress should be to ensure this moment. Madam Speaker, I end by a quiet moment of silence at this moment. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer words of condolence and remembrance for the five hundred thousand lives taken by COVID-19.…”