Orrin Hatch: “I rise to express my deepest sympathy for the victims of this morning's shooting, including for my good friend…”

“I rise to express my deepest sympathy for the victims of this morning's shooting, including for my good friend, Representative Steve Scalise. I pray that he, the congressional staff, and police officers who were injured in this horrific event can recover quickly. Today is not a day to reflect on our differences but on our common commitment to upholding the Constitution and doing the work of the American people. This Chamber is often divided on matters of policy, but in the face of tragedy, we are united as one. Today, we are together, and together we recognize the local law enforcement officials who responded quickly and professionally to this morning's attack. Each and every day, police officers across this great Nation risk their own well-being to ensure the safety of others, and they do so with little fanfare or recognition. In light of today's events, I recognize, in particular, the special sacrifice of our U.S. Capitol police officers--the selfless men and women--who, each and every day, assume significant risk to keep all of us safe. I shudder to think of what may have happened this morning had it not been for the quick action taken by Representative Scalise's security detail. These courageous special agents returned fire to apprehend the perpetrator of this senseless and appalling act of violence. Through their heroic actions, they prevented a massacre and saved the lives of dozens of elected Members of Congress and congressional staff.…”