Madam Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise today to express my deepest sympathy to everyone in the Virginia Tech community, and to all of their shocked and grieving loved ones.  I know I also join millions around the nation who are at a loss to fully comprehend yesterday’s shootings on the Virginia Tech campus that took 33 lives, including the shooter.  I also pray for the quick and full recovery of all those who were injured.   

I am also profoundly saddened to learn that Daniel O'Neil, of Lincoln, RI, was a victim of yesterday’s shootings.  I join his family and the people of Rhode Island in mourning this great loss.

Madam Speaker, every life that was lost yesterday was taken too early.  Every life taken had a history, a family and dreams for the future.  In the coming days, these lives will be identified, and we will hear many terrible stories about what happened in those buildings.  We will also hear about heroic acts in the face of unimaginable terror.  As a nation, we must find solace in each other and reach out to those that need us the most. 

As long as I have been in public service, I have tried to answer the question, “how can we make our country safer than it is right now?”  Unfortunately, yesterday’s events showed us all how much work needs to be done.  While many questions remain, we do know that yesterday marked the deadliest mass shooting in US history.  I believe it is our job in Congress to make sure an incident like this never happens again.  As we await the findings of the investigation, we must look to our laws and security procedures to make sure that they are protecting our citizens.  I also hope we can learn from this tragedy will spur a national discussion on how we can reduce gun violence. 

Today, let us reflect on the lives we have so senselessly and tragically lost.  May we keep them and their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers, and may their memory live on forever.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.