[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 110 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H4561-H4562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE DALLAS SHOOTING

  (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me thank my 
colleagues from Texas for joining me.
  The calculated ambush and murders of the Dallas law enforcement 
officers during a peaceful protest in downtown Dallas last night was a 
disgraceful act of violence. It happened in my district. I live less 
than five blocks away.
  My prayers and sympathy go out to the families of the officers slain 
and the victims of the shooting.
  Our response going forward--not just in Dallas, but across our 
Nation--will be more important now than ever before.
  My thoughts and prayers are also with the families of Alton Sterling 
and Philando Castile, who violently lost their lives this week as well.

[[Page H4562]]

  We must de-escalate violence. This recent violence serves as a stark 
reminder that relations between law enforcement and the communities 
they serve remains extremely tense, and we must do everything we can 
not to inflame this tension even further. We need to recognize the root 
cause of this tension and work to end the divisiveness between law 
enforcement and citizens.
  I do also want to commend the Dallas Police Department, Dallas Police 
Chief David Brown--a constituent and someone I work with very closely--
and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit for their brave and swift response to 
the shooting. These officers are among some of the most capable and 
professional law enforcement officers in the country, and I commend 
them for their bravery during this incident.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask not just for a moment of silence but also for firm 
action. We need to bring meaningful legislation to the floor that will 
help bridge the divide between law enforcement and our communities.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members will rise for a moment of silence.

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