[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 6, 2017)]
[House]
[Pages H4638-H4640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONDEMNING TERRORIST ATTACKS IN MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 355) condemning in the strongest terms
the terrorist attacks in Manchester, United Kingdom, on May 22, 2017,
expressing heartfelt condolences, and reaffirming unwavering support
for the special relationship between our peoples and nations in the
wake of these attacks, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 355
Whereas, on May 22, 2017, a terrorist triggered improvised
explosive devices at the Manchester Arena following the
conclusion of a concert by American recording artist Ariana
Grande;
Whereas the blasts took the lives of at least 22 people,
and seriously injured 59, many of whom were children;
Whereas British officials are continuing to investigate the
bombing to determine whether it was perpetrated by a lone
individual or by a terrorist network;
Whereas, on May 23, 2017, the Islamic State of Iraq and
Syria (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attacks and
threatened further attacks;
Whereas on June 3, 2017, three terrorists drove a van into
pedestrians on London Bridge before committing multiple
stabbing attacks against innocent bystanders in the Borough
Market area of London;
Whereas British police quickly arrived at the scene and
successfully ended the terrorist attack;
Whereas at least seven people were killed, and more than 48
wounded in the terrorist attack;
Whereas British police continue to investigate the incident
to ensure that all involved in planning or supporting the
attack are brought to justice;
Whereas the horrific attacks at the Manchester Arena and in
London are the latest in a series of deadly assaults by ISIS
in Europe in recent years;
Whereas British first responders reacted swiftly and
heroically to both attacks, taking immediate measures to
secure the areas and care for the wounded in ways that
prevented further loss of life;
Whereas Prime Minister Theresa May stated on May 23, 2017,
that ``all acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent
people but this attack stands out for its appalling,
sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent,
defenseless children and young people'' and paid tribute to
``the spirit of Manchester and the spirit of Britain, a
spirit that through years of conflict and terrorism has never
been broken and will never be broken.'';
Whereas President Donald Trump condemned those who
perpetrated the attacks and offered any and all assistance to
the United Kingdom as it investigates these attacks and works
to bring the terrorists to justice; and
Whereas the United Kingdom has been a steadfast ally to the
United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) condemns the recent terrorist attacks in Manchester,
United Kingdom, on May 22, 2017, and in London, United
Kingdom, on June 3, 2017, and extends its deepest sympathies
to all those affected by these tragedies;
(2) reaffirms the American commitment to the special
relationship with the United Kingdom, and supports the
efforts of the British Government to bring all those involved
with these heinous attacks to justice;
(3) appreciates the significant efforts by the United
Kingdom to combat terrorism;
(4) recognizes the persistent and growing threat posed by
Islamist terrorist groups worldwide, and reaffirms the
commitment of
[[Page H4639]]
the United States to the multilateral, global fight against
such violent extremists; and
(5) remains committed to the defense of universal
democratic values.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Espaillat)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their
remarks and to include any extraneous material on this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Congressman Gregory Meeks, the
ranking member of the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats
Subcommittee; and Congressman Paul Cook, the vice chairman of the House
Foreign Affairs Committee. I recognize them for their work on this
timely and important resolution.
On May 22, as the world knows, in a cowardly act of terrorism, a
suicide bomber attacked those exiting a concert at the Manchester Arena
in England. These were principally teenagers and children who were
attending that concert, in some cases, parents. What many had planned
to be a night of joy, a festival, a chance for them to gather to
celebrate turned with one horrifying blast into a nightmare of chaos
and devastation, and 23 innocent people were killed, 166 were severely
injured, and many of those victims were children.
This past week, in another cowardly attack, terrorists struck
unsuspecting and unarmed pedestrians on London Bridge, and then those
terrorists went on an attack against innocent bystanders in London's
Borough Market area, slashing and killing, and thus far, at least 7
victims have died and 48 have been seriously wounded. We grieve their
loss and send our prayers and condolences to their families.
We also commend the brave and selfless actions of British first
responders who, in the wake of both attacks, moved to quickly secure
the areas, aid the wounded, and prevent further loss of life.
Our deranged enemies, it is clear, are intent on striking us wherever
and whenever possible, often choosing to prey upon the most vulnerable,
the most innocent in our society, preying, in this case, on children
and teenagers. We must be even more determined in our resolve to stop
them and we must continue to build upon our own capabilities,
strengthening our cooperation with our friends and allies like the
United Kingdom.
Mr. Speaker, the United Kingdom has been a staunch friend and ally,
unparalleled in its support for the United States, including as a
partner in our counterterrorism efforts. At this sad time, we stand
solidly beside our friends and allies as they mourn, heal, and most
assuredly rise again following this tragedy. Passage of this resolution
is just one way that we can demonstrate this support.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in unanimously
supporting this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H. Res. 355. This
resolution was submitted by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) and
the gentleman from California (Mr. Cook). It is a strong message
condemning in the strongest terms the most recent terrorist attacks in
Manchester and London. We worked quickly in the committee to pass this
resolution in a bipartisan way. I thank Chairman Royce and Ranking
Member Engel again for their bipartisan efforts.
{time} 1730
I would like to lend my voice of condolence to the families and
friends of those who were killed and injured. I pray that the
Manchester and London communities remain resilient and continue their
beautiful human display of kindness in the depths of such tragedy.
I read numerous human stories about neighbors, faith leaders, and
local businessmen and -women coming together to aid their fellow
citizens with open arms and compassionate hearts. The people of
Manchester, London, and the U.K. in general show the rest of the world
how to persevere in the face of terror.
Finally, let us remember that the attacks are directed at our open
societies that we have built over many generations. Let us remember
that our response will set the tone for not only the security of the
present day but also the faith in such open societies and the
unbreakable bonds of community for years to come.
We will continue to work in the Foreign Affairs Committee to bring
about justice and encourage peace. The United States admires the
Manchester and London response of stoicism, openheartedness, and
solidarity.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Holding), chairman of the British-
American Parliamentary Group and co-chairman of the Congressional
United Kingdom Caucus, and he also has strong family ties in Britain.
Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Royce for yielding me
time, and I rise in strong support of this resolution condemning the
terror attacks in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Speaker, the senseless acts of terror that took place in
Manchester and London are stark reminders of the threat our allies and
our Nation face together. These horrific attacks require strong and
coordinated response to not only bring the perpetrators and their
enablers to justice but also to combat global terrorism.
Mr. Speaker, Congress stands ready to support our colleagues in
Parliament with any assistance necessary. The special relationship that
bonds our two nations and peoples is unlike any other relationship that
we enjoy.
I am reminded of the events 73 years ago today when the United States
stood with Great Britain to execute the largest amphibious landing ever
assembled in order to liberate Europe. Our task in fighting terrorism
is no less daunting.
I appreciate the efforts here today by the House to condemn these
acts of terror and reaffirm our unwavering support for the special
relationship that we enjoy with the United Kingdom.
Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, the British people are well known for
their stiff upper lip, their resolve, and resilience. We have seen all
these traits on display in the recent days in the proud European cities
of Manchester and London as the dead are mourned, the injured are
nursed to health, and the guilty are pursued.
Life must and will go on, and the United Kingdom will remain the
beacon of freedom, tolerance, and justice. I am glad we took this time
today to send this strong message of solidarity to the people of the
U.K. Through the years, they have long stood by us, and we are proud of
their friendship. We call them our friends. I support this measure and
trust the House will do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), chairman of the Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.
Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me
time and for his work on this very important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, last month, as fans streamed out of a concert in
Manchester, they were met by the worst kind of despicable treachery. A
terrorist lay in wait with his time bomb to inflict maximum damage on
people, killing as many as he could and creating fear among survivors.
Twenty-two innocent people were slaughtered, including many children.
The attack claimed by ISIS thugs was, unfortunately, not the last to
hit the United Kingdom. Over the weekend, terrorists attacked innocent
civilians in London, killing 7 and wounding at least 48 others.
Free countries cannot and must not tolerate these attacks and must
not ever accept these attacks as the norm. We must defeat the cancer of
Islamic
[[Page H4640]]
terrorism and the perverted thinking that inspires it.
I strongly support this resolution which condemns the attack in
Manchester and expresses our support to the people of the United
Kingdom. We will and must continue to stand together with the United
Kingdom for many reasons, but the main reason being the bond of freedom
that we have shared for so many years. We must stand together to combat
and defeat those who seek to attack freedom and liberty and destroy our
way of life. They must not win.
Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincere condolences to the victims of the
attacks in the United Kingdom and their families. This evil cannot be
allowed to continue without a bold response.
Mr. Speaker, justice demands that we track down these terrorists and
hold them accountable for their evil deeds whenever and wherever they
attack. Justice must be served because, Mr. Speaker, justice is what
free people demand.
And that is just the way it is.
Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, following the killing in London this past weekend,
British Prime Minister May compared the attacks in Manchester and those
in the capital, and she said: `` . . . while the recent attacks are not
connected by common networks, they are connected in one important
sense. They are bound together by the single evil ideology of Islamist
extremism that preaches hatred, sows division, and promotes
sectarianism.''
``Defeating this ideology is one of the great challenges of our time.
. . .''
Those were the Prime Minister's words.
We are committed to standing with our British friends and allies in
this important fight. This resolution signals our resolve to deepen our
collaboration with our friends and allies in the United Kingdom to
counter terrorism and to counter radicalization.
Mr. Speaker, I, therefore, urge my colleagues to join me in unanimous
support of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res.
355, which expresses the condolences of the United States to the
twenty-two innocent victims who lost their lives and the fifty-nine
individuals who were seriously injured in the barbaric attack
perpetrated by a terrorist in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution's condemnation of this
terrorist attack for the depraved, cowardly act that it is.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the
victims.
Moreover, our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the first responders
and others who selflessly came to the aid of those affected by this
act.
Manchester will emerge from the attack more vibrant and united than
ever before with the same resiliency that has enabled it to grow and
evolve from the ``birthplace of the Industrial Revolution'' to the
modern, progressive, and welcoming metropolis that it is today.
As Manchester recovers and responds, I hope that Mancunians and
Britons as a whole will take comfort in the knowledge that the people
of the United States stand in solidarity with them.
This attack is a reminder of the common danger that democratic,
peace-loving nations of the world face from those who reject the norms
of civilized society and abuse the liberties and freedoms afforded them
by free societies.
This terrorist attack in Manchester was a horrific act on innocent
civilians perpetrated by a depraved individual who had the support of
those who misuse the peaceful religion of Islam for their own misguided
purposes.
Those who claim responsibility for this crime against humanity should
make no mistake; they will be held accountable for their actions.
Today, however, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of
Manchester, a city that represents everything terrorists despise--that
is, a place that welcomes people from all walks of life to live
together in harmony.
That symbol is recognizable to Americans, because we are a society
formed by diverse individuals intertwined to create a mosaic that is
altogether lovely, strong, and unique.
Given our special relationship with the United Kingdom, the people of
the United States of America offer our unwavering support to the people
of Manchester and of the United Kingdom.
Today, I ask a moment of silence for the victims killed and injured
in the terrorist attack in Manchester.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 355, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
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