[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 16, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S2658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        BOSTON MARATHON ATTACKS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today the thoughts of every American 
are with the people of Boston but especially with the many victims of 
yesterday's horrendous attacks and their families.
  Many who were looking forward to celebrating the achievement of a 
loved one yesterday woke up to the grim reality of facing the rest of 
their lives with a disfiguring injury. For them, yesterday's attacks 
were the beginning of a long and difficult journey. Three others who 
lined up to encourage others, including an 8-year-old boy who was there 
to cheer on his dad at the finish line, lost their lives in the blast.
  We pray in a special way for these families.
  As the President said yesterday, the two parties stand united today 
in our deepest sympathy for all those who were affected firsthand by 
these heinous attacks and in our unshakable--unshakable--resolve to 
bring those responsible, and any others who are contemplating acts like 
this, to justice.
  These horrific attacks are a grim reminder of the hatred and contempt 
that many continue to harbor in their hearts not only for our Nation 
and its freedoms but for innocent human life. On 9/11 we were forever 
disabused of the notion that attacks like the one that rocked Boston 
yesterday only happen on the field of battle or in distant countries. 
With the passage of time, however, and the vigilant efforts of our 
military, intelligence, and law enforcement professionals, I think it 
is safe to say for many the complacency that prevailed prior to 
September 11 has actually returned. So we are newly reminded that 
serious threats to our way of life remain.
  Today, again, we recommit ourselves to the fight against terrorism at 
home and abroad.
  Another point: As always, we marvel at the courage and the 
selflessness of those who rushed to the scene after yesterday's blasts. 
In moments like this, we see the worst of humanity and the best of our 
fellow citizens: whether it was the exhausted marathoners who became 
helpers and healers the moment they realized what had happened; the 
doctors and nurses who had expected the usual marathon day uptick in 
cases of dehydration or exhaustion but who spent the rest of their day 
handling far worse; or the first responders and law enforcement 
officials who rushed to the scene with total disregard for their own 
safety, including those who tore down a fence to get to the wounded 
before they were even sure the area was safe.
  We honor all of them today.
  Those responsible for this act of terror will be brought to justice 
for their deeds. But today our thoughts are mainly with the victims, 
their families, and friends--and all those whose lives have suddenly 
been turned upside down by the wicked designs of those responsible. For 
most of us, it is hard to imagine how anyone could even contemplate 
doing something like this. But, as always, as a nation, we will face 
this sad reality head on and show the world that America does not cower 
in the face of it.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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