[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE DEVASTATING SHOOTING 
                INCIDENT AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2008

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, on February 15, the United States 
watched in horror and despair as the lives of six innocent and 
promising students from Northern Illinois University were taken 
suddenly and cruelly. As we mourn this senseless tragedy, I would like 
to extend my thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
  The tragedy at NIU last month is just another painful reminder that 
the United States must do more to stem the flood of violence and ensure 
that our campuses are as safe and secure as possible. The incident at 
Northern Illinois comes only a week after a gunman opened fire on a 
college campus in Louisiana, and just 10 months after the tragic 
shooting at Virginia Tech that left 33 people dead.
  I believe that in order for this disturbing trend to be curtailed the 
United States must adopt commonsense reforms that will reduce the 
number of assault and other high power weapons available to the public 
while also allowing responsible gun owners that right to bear arms.
  I urge my colleagues to work with one another toward a solution that 
will prevent incidents like this one from taking place in the future.
  Again, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to all the students at 
NIU--not only the victims and their families, but those students who 
are dealing with the aftermath of this horrific event. I know that the 
impact of this event will linger forever, but I also know that NIU will 
continue to be a vibrant center of learning.

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