Supporting the Goals and Ideals of a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims
Floor Speech
SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF A NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR MURDER VICTIMS -- (House of Representatives - May 14, 2007)
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 223) supporting the goals and ideals of a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.
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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 223, which supports the goals of a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.
H. Res. 223, which has 59 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative JOHN SHADEGG from Arizona on March 7, 2007. H. Res. 223 was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007 by a voice vote.
Mr. Speaker, in 2005, there were 16,692 murders and nine negligent manslaughters reported in our Nation. This is obviously too many murders. And so I support the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims and recognize all organizations that provide services, such as support, guidance and counseling, to the loved ones and friends of murder victims.
It is important that this day is not just a remembrance of those who tragically lost their lives, but a call to action. While some of us have not experienced acts of violence, we share responsibility to people who have lost their loved ones to murder. We should always reflect the moral virtues of respect and caring and sharing with one another, regardless of one's race, creed and national origin.
Of course, we remember the recent incidents that have just occurred at the university in Virginia. I also remember in my own neighborhood, where just last week a young man was killed on a bus. He turned out to be an absolute hero because he actually put himself in front of another student who was about to be shot. And of course that community and that family still grieves. So I urge that we all remember murder victims and their families by getting involved in our homes, communities, schools and businesses to prevent violence.
Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Shadegg from Arizona, for seeking to honor the memories of murder victims and recognize the impact on surviving family members.
I urge swift passage of this bill.
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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. To close, Mr. Speaker, let me just commend the gentleman from Arizona once again for his introduction of this resolution and his passionate statement in favor of its passage. I would certainly concur with everything that he has said and urge passage.
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