Moment of Silence in Memory of the Honorable Carolyn McCarthy

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. GILLEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise, together with my colleagues from the New York delegation, to honor the memory of former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy from New York's Fourth Congressional District.

She was a trailblazer in Congress and a visionary leader who turned an unimaginable tragedy into a lifelong mission to protect others.

Carolyn was a tireless advocate for the South Shore of Nassau County on Long Island and a fearless champion in the fight against gun violence. After the heartbreaking loss of her husband and the injuring of her son in a horrific shooting, Carolyn could have retreated into grief, but instead she chose action.

She ran for Congress as a mother, a nurse, and a voice for families devastated by the senseless scourge of gun violence. Her courage helped shape the national conversation and inspired a generation of advocates whose work is saving lives in communities across our country every day.

She also advocated for America's children as a member of the Education and Workforce Committee, working to fund school lunch programs. She was also key in drafting the watershed No Child Left Behind Act in 2001, which aimed to make our schools more accessible for students with disabilities.

My family, all of us on Long Island, the New York delegation, New York State, and our Nation mourn her passing. We are praying for her loved ones and for all the lives who were touched by her decades of service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join us now in a moment of silence in memory of the Honorable Carolyn McCarthy.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source