[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE VIRGINIA TECH SHOOTINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise 
today to express my deepest sympathy to everyone in the Virginia Tech 
community, and to all of their shocked and grieving loved ones. I know 
I also join millions around the nation who are at a loss to fully 
comprehend yesterday's shootings on the Virginia Tech campus that took 
33 lives, including the shooter. I also pray for the quick and full 
recovery of all those who were injured.
  I am also profoundly saddened to learn that Daniel O'Neil, of 
Lincoln, RI, was a victim of yesterday's shootings. I join his family 
and the people of Rhode Island in mourning this great loss.
  Madam Speaker, every life that was lost yesterday was taken too 
early. Every life taken had a history, a family and dreams for the 
future. In the coming days, these lives will be identified, and we will 
hear many terrible stories about what happened in those buildings. We 
will also hear about heroic acts in the face of unimaginable terror. As 
a nation, we must find solace in each other and reach out to those that 
need us the most.
  As long as I have been in public service, I have tried to answer the 
question, ``how can we make our country safer than it is right now?'' 
Unfortunately, yesterday's events showed us all how much work needs to 
be done. While many questions remain, we do know that yesterday marked 
the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. I believe it is our job in 
Congress to make sure an incident like this never happens again. As we 
await the findings of the investigation, we must look to our laws and 
security procedures to make sure that they are protecting our citizens. 
I also hope we can learn from this tragedy will spur a national 
discussion on how we can reduce gun violence.
  Today, let us reflect on the lives we have so senselessly and 
tragically lost. May we keep them and their loved ones in our thoughts 
and prayers, and may their memory live on forever.

                          ____________________