[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1152 Introduced in House (IH)]
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118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1152
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School
shooting and honoring the memories of the victims, survivors, and their
families.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 16, 2024
Mr. Crow (for himself, Ms. DeGette, Mr. Neguse, Ms. Caraveo, Ms.
Pettersen, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Ms. Norton, Ms. Stevens, Ms. Jackson
Lee, Ms. Williams of Georgia, Mr. Nickel, Mr. Moulton, Ms. Brown, Mrs.
Torres of California, Mr. Auchincloss, Ms. Brownley, Mr. Peters, Ms.
McCollum, Mr. Carson, Ms. McClellan, Ms. Porter, Ms. Jacobs, Mr.
Menendez, Mr. Moskowitz, and Mrs. Foushee) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the
Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School
shooting and honoring the memories of the victims, survivors, and their
families.
Whereas, on April 20, 1999, the Columbine High School shooting shocked the
Nation and forever changed the lives of countless individuals;
Whereas the tragic events of that day resulted in the loss of innocent lives,
devastating injuries, and profound trauma for the Columbine community
and the entire country;
Whereas the courage and resilience demonstrated by the students, teachers, first
responders, and community members in the face of unimaginable horror
continue to inspire and unite the United States in its commitment to
preventing further acts of violence;
Whereas, since the Columbine tragedy, countless communities across the United
States have been affected by gun violence, underscoring the urgent need
for comprehensive action to address this epidemic;
Whereas for the 25th anniversary of the Columbine shooting, the Nation solemnly
remembers and honors the lives of the following 13 victims whose futures
were tragically cut short:
(1) Cassie Bernall, age 17, whose unwavering commitment to her faith
inspired those around her at Columbine. Known for her courage and devotion,
she symbolized strength and conviction to her peers. Her compassionate
nature was evident in her plans to donate her hair to children undergoing
chemotherapy, showcasing her selflessness and kindness. She was actively
involved in church activities and was deeply committed to her beliefs.
(2) Steven ``Steve'' Curnow, age 14, an avid Star Wars fan with a
passion for sports and academics. He could recite the lines of each movie
and was collecting and reading numerous books from the Star Wars series.
Steve was also an avid soccer player and was learning from his father how
to be a referee. He was considered a delight to know, known for his bright
personality and love for life.
(3) Corey DePooter, age 17, a dedicated athlete and ROTC member who
displayed bravery and selflessness during the shooting. He was remembered
as a loyal friend and a natural leader, with a deep sense of duty towards
his community. Corey was also an expert fisherman, and he had recently
returned from a fishing trip with his best friend, where he caught the
biggest fish of his life, a 7-pound bass. His love for fishing reflected
his appreciation for nature and his ability to find joy in simple
pleasures.
(4) Kelly Fleming, age 16, an artistic soul with a talent for writing
and photography. She wanted to be a writer and hoped to be remembered for
the book she was going to do based on her life experiences. Kelly was known
for her creativity and compassionate nature, always seeking to capture the
beauty of the world around her through her writing and photography. She had
a unique perspective on life and was deeply committed to sharing her
insights and stories with others.
(5) Matthew Kechter, age 16, was known for his kindness and his passion
for helping others. He was described as a gentle giant, standing tall at 6-
foot-4, with a heart to match his stature. Matthew had a love for
engineering and technology, always eager to explore new ideas and solve
complex problems. He was a dedicated member of his school's robotics club,
where he demonstrated his innovative thinking and leadership skills.
Matthew's friends and family remember him as a bright and caring young man
who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him.
(6) Daniel Mauser, age 15, was known for his intelligence and reserved
nature, challenging himself by participating in cross-country and debate.
Described as lovable and kind, he was highly regarded by his neighbors for
his willingness to help others. Daniel enjoyed skiing and camping with his
father, Tom, and enjoyed participating in the school's French club. Daniel
had previously asked his father if he knew about the ``gun show loophole''
in the Brady Bill, something his father Tom has fought to close after
Daniel's passing. Daniel's impact on those around him was profound, leaving
a lasting impression on his community.
(7) Daniel ``Danny'' Rohrbough, age 15, was known for his infectious
energy and his unwavering kindness towards others. He grew up helping his
family every summer harvest wheat on their farm in Kansas. He had a passion
for sports, particularly baseball, and was described as a dedicated
athlete. Danny was deeply loved by his family and friends, who remember him
fondly for his outgoing personality and his ability to bring joy to those
around him. His friends and family described him as kind, unselfish, and
caring.
(8) Rachel Scott, age 17, was remembered as a creative and empathetic
individual who spread kindness and compassion to everyone she met. Actively
involved in community service projects, she was known for her positive
attitude and infectious smile. Her legacy of love and empathy continues to
inspire acts of kindness and compassion in others.
(9) Isaiah Shoels, age 18, was known not only for his athletic and
musical talents but also for his unwavering kindness and compassion. He had
an infectious smile that could brighten anyone's day and a positive
attitude that lifted the spirits of those around him. Isaiah was a natural
leader who brought people together through his inclusivity and willingness
to help others. He left a lasting impact on his community, and his memory
continues to be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
(10) John Tomlin, age 16, was known for his love of Chevy pickup trucks
and his deep faith, active in his church youth group and planning to join
the Army after graduation. Despite his initial shyness, he was remembered
for his goofiness and kindness, always striving to make others smile.
John's dedication to his beloved Chevy pickup and his job at Arapahoe Acres
Nursery showcased his hardworking nature and strong work ethic. His faith
was a significant part of his life, evident in his commitment to attending
church and encouraging others to join him, providing comfort to his loved
ones in the wake of his tragic passing.
(11) Lauren Townsend, age 18, was known for her kindness and academic
excellence. As a senior and captain of the girls' varsity volleyball team,
she demonstrated leadership on and off the court. Her passion for animals
led her to work at an animal shelter, reflecting her compassionate nature.
Despite her untimely death in the shooting, her family remembers her with
love and gratitude for the bright future she had ahead. The Lauren Townsend
Memorial Wildlife Fund has been established in her memory to honor her
legacy.
(12) Kyle Velasquez, age 16, was a student with a passion for
technology. He was remembered as a compassionate and caring individual who
was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
(13) William ``Dave'' Sanders, age 47, was a teacher and coach who
heroically saved countless lives during the shooting. He was known for his
dedication to his students and his commitment to their success both in and
out of the classroom. Former students remember him as a motivating force,
always knowing just the right things to say to inspire his players.
Sanders, who dedicated 25 years to teaching and coaching at Columbine, had
a talent for relating to young people and caring about their personal lives
and futures. He was deeply supportive and believed in his students even
when they doubted themselves.
Whereas the Nation extends its deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and
loved ones of the victims, whose lives were forever changed by this
senseless act of violence;
Whereas the Nation also pays tribute to the survivors of the Columbine shooting,
whose strength, resilience, and advocacy have played a pivotal role in
raising awareness about the impact of gun violence and promoting
meaningful change; and
Whereas on this somber occasion, the Nation reaffirms its commitment to honoring
the memory of the Columbine victims by working tirelessly to prevent
future tragedies and to ensure that every student, teacher, and
community member can learn, work, and thrive in safety and peace: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High
School shooting and honors the memories of the victims,
survivors, and their families;
(2) expresses heartfelt condolences to all those whose
lives have been forever altered by the Columbine tragedy;
(3) recognizes the resilience and courage of the Columbine
community in the face of adversity and applauds their ongoing
efforts to promote healing and unity;
(4) reaffirms its commitment to advancing policies and
initiatives aimed at preventing gun violence, supporting mental
health resources, and fostering safer schools and communities
for all;
(5) pledges to remember the victims of the Columbine
shooting not only in mourning but also in action, by advocating
for meaningful reforms to address the root causes of gun
violence and promote a culture of empathy, compassion, and
understanding;
(6) encourages all people in the United States to honor the
memory of the Columbine victims by spreading kindness,
supporting one another, and working together to build a more
peaceful and inclusive society; and
(7) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to
transmit enrolled copies of this resolution to the families of
the victims, the survivors of the Columbine shooting, and the
Columbine community as a symbol of Congress' unwavering support
and solidarity.
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