[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHOOTINGS AT COLUMBINE

  (Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I know that the whole House 
joins the Colorado delegation in their sorrow at the tragic events of 
1999. The Nation was horrified. This was an event that changed the 
Nation and still casts a shadow on our culture. The community around 
Columbine still deals with this event, and I believe it is appropriate 
for us to pause and reflect on what happened that terrible day.
  I would now yield to my colleague, Ms. DeGette.
  Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, 10 years ago this week as I sat in my 
office in the Longworth Office Building, I watched the horrific events 
of the Columbine shooting occur. Sadly, that was not the first time 
we've had a high school shooting. And even more sadly, it was not the 
last time we've seen a shooting of this nature.
  Every time this happens, for those of us in Colorado the memory of 
the horrific events in April 10 years ago floods back to us. I am 
joined today with the entire Colorado delegation, as Mr. Coffman said, 
in mourning the loss of the teacher and the students at Columbine. Mr. 
Perlmutter had constituents who were killed in the shooting. I had 
constituents attending Columbine at that time, and we still do today.
  All of us share the hope that Principal Frank DeAngelis, who was the 
principal then and now, shared with the country Monday this week at a 
ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of Columbine. Principal 
DeAngelis said on Monday--and we all agree with this--``My hope is that 
school violence comes to an end, and that our Nation is not mourning 
the loss of more of our children and educators; and that the members of 
our society come together to stop the senseless deaths that are 
occurring. Our children are our future, and we must continue to pave 
the way for a safe and successful journey.''
  Let's remember Columbine, and let's remember these words.
  Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, to my colleagues, please join 
me in a moment of silence for the victims and their families.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the Members please rise for a moment of 
silence.

                          ____________________