Horrific Events in Orlando

Floor Speech

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Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, as we grapple with the horrific events that took place yesterday morning in Orlando, my thoughts are with the families of the victims and everyone affected during Pride Month.

The targeting of LGBT individuals in this heinous act of violence has reignited many fears and uncertainty in our community. As a country, we must stand together to denounce bigotry and hatred and embrace love and acceptance.

President Barack Obama declared this an act of terror and an act of hate, an action perpetrated with a military-style assault weapon. Unfortunately, this week Congress won't do a thing about any of these issues. In fact, all too often actions and language here in Congress and on the campaign trail actually exacerbate would-be terrorists, and actions even on the floor of the House of Representatives all too often reinforce the hate of some people, including gays and lesbians.

Unfortunately, this body is too chicken to address the epidemic of military-style assault weapons because that would upset the gun manufacturers and gun lobby.

In the end, all we did, yet again, is have another moment of silence rather than a moment of action. That disrespects the lives of the people who were killed not just yesterday, but every day by gun violence. There may be blood in the streets, but if Congress continues to fail to act, we will have blood on our hands.

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