[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE SENATE TO THE FAMILIES OF JAMES FOLEY 
                           AND STEVEN SOTLOFF

  Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, these last few weeks have been very 
trying for America. In August, as the result of the cowardly and 
barbaric acts of the terrorist group ISIS, America lost two courageous 
and inspiring journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff.
  Along with my colleagues Senators Ayotte, Nelson, and Rubio, and 
Chairman Menendez, I am submitting a resolution to honor the lives of 
James Foley, who was born and raised in New Hampshire, and Steven 
Sotloff, a Florida native but a graduate of Kimball Union Academy in 
Meriden, NH.
  Our resolution mourns James and Steven, two outstanding journalists 
who pursued their profession under the most difficult and dangerous 
conditions in order to tell the stories that needed to be told of the 
struggles that people on the ground were facing in the middle of 
difficult conflicts. We will never forget the bravery of James and 
Steven and their dedication to the ideals of freedom they so embodied.
  Our resolution strongly condemns the terrorist group ISIS, a group 
that has committed unspeakable atrocities against humanity and 
attempted to justify them through a perverted interpretation of Islam. 
ISIS fighters have targeted Iraqi Christians, killing many and forcing 
others to flee their ancient homeland, they have massacred Muslims who 
do not subscribe to their depraved ideology, they have threatened 
genocide against the ancient Yazidi population of Iraq, and they have 
targeted other religious and ethnic minority groups. They have 
threatened to conduct terrorist attacks internationally, including here 
in the United States. And of course ISIS brutally murdered these two 
American journalists, Jim Foley and Steven Sotloff.
  Let us be clear. We must hold ISIS accountable for their despicable 
acts. We must vigorously pursue those responsible and bring them to 
justice, and we must not let the deaths of these two Americans go 
unanswered. The terrorists who murdered Jim Foley are deeply mistaken 
if they think their barbaric acts will lessen Americans' resolve and 
pave the way for ISIS to continue terrorizing. We will bring an end to 
those who stand against everything these men stood for.
  I hope the entire Senate--Republicans, Democrats, and Independents--
will stand together to adopt this resolution. Let us show the world our 
Nation is united in its commemoration of the lives of James Foley and 
Steven Sotloff, and in our condemnation of the barbaric group that took 
these Americans from us.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. ISAKSON. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum 
call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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