[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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