Anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, nearly 5 years ago, our State, Nation, the city of Orlando, and Hispanic and LGBTQ communities were attacked, and 49 innocent and beautiful lives were lost. It was an evil act--an act of terrorism--designed to divide us as a nation and strike fear in our hearts and minds but instead we came together; we supported each other; and we persevered. We proved to the world what we in Florida already knew: Floridians are resilient.

The days I spent in Orlando following the shooting will always be with me. I talked to many parents who lost their children. I went to funerals and wakes. And I sat in hospital rooms. As a father and grandfather, it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It was heartbreaking.

But in this horribly dark time, the selfless courage of so many, from community members to law enforcement, to healthcare workers, provided a sense of hope. This incredible strength, love, and bravery lifted up Orlando and the State of Florida and helped us begin to rebuild.

This week, on the fifth anniversary of this unthinkable tragedy, the State of Florida comes together to honor the lives lost too soon. And we vow to always stand up and fight against evil and hatred in this world.

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Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I want to thank my colleague from Florida for participating in this with me. It was a devastating day 5 years ago for all of us in Florida and around the Nation.

Today, I am requesting all my colleagues join us to honor the memory of the 49 lives lost and come together to say their nation will always stand against hate and evil in this world.

I will be asking consent for the Senate to pass a resolution honoring the memory of the victims of the heinous attack of the Pulse nightclub, cosponsored by my colleague from Florida, Senator Rubio, and legislation designating the location of the Pulse nightclub in Orlando as the National Pulse Memorial to serve as a tribute to the victims and a reminder for us to always stand for love and kindness over hate and evil in this world. It is also cosponsored by my colleague from Florida, Senator Rubio, and my colleague from California, Senator Padilla. I hope my colleagues join us in the effort today.

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