[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 99 (Monday, June 12, 2017)]
[House]
[Pages H4845-H4848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING PULSE NIGHTCLUB VICTIMS IN ORLANDO
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 3, 2017, the Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida
(Mrs. Demings) for 30 minutes.
General Leave
Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include any extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, as I stand here tonight before you, in my
hometown of Orlando, thousands of people are gathered at Lake Eola Park
like they were 1 year ago to mourn, honor, and pay tribute to the 49
lives we lost on January 12, 2016. We were with them earlier today. We
would love to be with them tonight, as we were last year, but we are
here doing the job we were elected to do.
I am joined tonight by my colleague--I am absolutely honored to serve
with him--Representative Darren Soto. We stand here tonight on the
floor of the House of Representatives together so the world will not
forget the lives we lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting.
It was supposed to be like any other Saturday night for the men and
women inside the Pulse nightclub. I can only imagine the excitement
they shared that evening as they celebrated birthdays and friendships.
Mr. Speaker, they were out for what my bishop likes to call late-night
fellowship.
Then, at 2:20 a.m., when everyone was closing their tabs for the
night and about to head home, it was then that an ISIS-inspired gunman,
motivated by hate, walked into the club and opened fire. Within a
matter of minutes, he was able to kill 49 people and wound so many
others. The innocent men and women in the club didn't stand a chance
against him that night.
We lost 49 lives. Their full potential will never be known, and we
will always wonder, when we think about their lives, what could have
been. Many others continue to recover from their visible and invisible
wounds.
In the days and weeks following the Nation's deadliest mass shooting,
we saw our community come together in beautiful ways. We mourned with
those who lost their loved ones. We came out in droves to donate blood
for the survivors who needed it. We showed support and gratitude for
our law enforcement officers, our first responders, and the nurses and
doctors who acted with courage and bravery in the face of unimaginable
tragedy.
We embraced and celebrated the diversity that makes Orlando ``The
City Beautiful.'' We showed the world that we are a city who defeats
hate with love.
One year after the shooting, the wounds are still fresh and the scars
are still not fully healed, but our community is resilient and united
in the face of this tragedy.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague from Florida, (Mr. Soto).
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida,
Representative Val Demings. First of all, I thank her for her service
in law enforcement and also for her husband, Jerry Demings' service in
law enforcement and to remember the 1-year mark of the Pulse nightclub
shooting.
{time} 2030
I wrote a poem entitled: ``Our Pulse Still Beats.''
Inspiration from a brother lost too soon
A place for his memory to play the tune
Alas his pulse ceased
A safe place for a rainbow of people
Full expression was presented throughout this steeple
They all danced to the pulsating sounds
Then came a night of celebration
For many friends from many nations
On the move to impulsive grooves
In the midst of the night a dark figure entered
Hate-filled heart and soul a splintered
His guns pulsating death.
Horrors, and cries, as bullets fly
Some they ran and some they died
Their pulses ceased to be
Brave officers infiltrated the scene
A melee ensued amidst the smoke and gleam
And in the end terror was silenced, the repulsive vanquished
Medics and firefighters quickly came to the rescue
Seeking out those who cried out with fading hues
Come quick he is still breathing, wait she has a pulse
In makeshift ambulances staining ER floors in red
One by one saved from the dead
On the monitor, pulses finally steady beep, beep, beep
In the morn Orlando awakes in sadness
But comes together as One above the madness
The pulse of the city is unspeakable grief and unbreakable
love
From everywhere we came to the Center, the Bloodbank, the
Lake, and the Streets
We gave our time, our pennies, our blood, our hugs, and our
eats
Donors with a strong pulse are needed to replenish our stock
Makeshift monuments grew before our eyes
We gathered at Dr. Phillips for those we lost and those still
alive
As the bell rang 49 times, sorrow became the natural impulse,
but so was unity
This emotion, this grief, this love was felt around the world
By mothers and fathers, boys and girls
A community pulsating with sadness and defiant hope
Our happy little tourist town known for magic
Became the site of history's most violent shooting, tragic
But our community's pulse still beats
One year later one community stronger
Our pulse still beats
For those who survived
[[Page H4846]]
Our pulse still beats
And for those we lost
Our love still remains
For the 49 angels our love still remains
Though pain will ever be in our hearts
Our love still remains.
Mrs. DEMINGS. I want to thank my colleague from Florida (Mr. Soto)
for that very beautiful and inspiring poem that really captures not
only the tragedy that occurred in Orlando at the Pulse Nightclub that
night, but the heroic acts, how our community came together, and really
provides the hope that our community needs in moving forward.
Mr. Speaker, no one can tell the story better than the family members
who lost their loved ones that night, the survivors who were within the
club that night. At this time, we would like to share some of the
letters from family members and survivors.
The first letter that I would like to share comes from a mother who,
if you were watching at all during the early hours of this tragic
incident, this particular mother was going around asking anyone who she
could about her son, trying to find him, trying to get word of him. I
would like to share a mother's story from Christine Leinonen.
``My son was one of the 49 people killed at Pulse Nightclub on June
12 of 2016. Those were 49 humans who collectively could have lived
another 2,500 years. That is longer than we have had civilization. They
were moms, dads, siblings, kids, straight, gay, Latino, Asian,
Caucasian. They were your constituents. They deserved better than to
die in a flurry of bullets.
``My son Chris was a happy, quirky, goofy young man and had been from
baby on. He was every mother's dream to hit the kid lottery. He was an
only child, and I never married. I couldn't have loved him more.
``He became a licensed mental health therapist. He loved his work and
his personal life.
``Chris had many friends. Chris and his boyfriend, Juan, were one of
at least three couples to die together that night: another Juan and two
Luises. Chris was one of two Christophers to die that night and at
least six Christophers who died or survived. The magnitude of the
killing is that there were so many names repeated.
``My son was a loving and giving person. He was someone who was going
to be my right-hand man as I became old and incapacitated. Now I have
no one.
``Chris lived his life with love and kindness. He was a walking,
talking United Nations, inclusive of all; not by design, but because he
cared about character, not race, gender, sexuality, or ethnicity. He
lived a life of inclusion. You would have loved him if you knew him,
whether he was your child or friend or cousin or coworker. The world
has a little less joy without him in it.
``Hugs and kisses, Christopher's mom.''
And at this time, I would like to yield to my colleague from Florida
(Mr. Soto), who will continue to share.
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Demings for sharing
Chris' story.
A coworker of mine, Ramses Tinoco, who survived the Pulse Nightclub
shooting, sent me this letter entitled ``Everlasting Unity.''
``My name is Ramses Tinoco, and I am a Pulse Nightclub shooting
survivor. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to continue with my
life so that I can spread empowerment, compassion, love, and unity.
``I want to express my feelings and point of view. Realistically, as
a community and nation, we all suffered a tragic attack of terror on
this one-year remembrance of June 12, 2016. Today, this is known as the
biggest mass shooting in American history. Here at the doorsteps of
Pulse Nightclub, let's take in consistent consideration of the ones who
ultimately suffered the most: the victims, families of the deceased,
the injured survivors, the other survivors who were there and escaped
by God's grace, and the community who stood by, grieved in the
aftermath.
``As a community, we have been given an opportunity to rebuild
ourselves as stronger individuals and help those that are falling
behind in depression, anguish, lament, and grief. As a community, we
must show that constantly we are not alone, we are united more than
ever, and, above all, that we are better than yesterday.
``This attack was a terrible and unfortunate tragedy to live through.
It was an ultimate reminder that there is still a lot of discrimination
and hate in this world. However, we must engage, learn from it, and
utilize it to confront and prevent future fear in our community and
ultimately the rest of the world. We can't be stronger if we fuel hate
and negativity. We can't be stronger by pointing fingers and censoring
others based on their race, financial status, sexual orientation, and
religious beliefs.
``Our world is facing some hard times. Everyone is becoming a victim.
How can we stop this and end the fear? We must stand up and speak out
for our rights, for our peace and protection, and for the safety of our
country. Above all, we need to engage solidarity and equality for the
love of humanity. We can begin to make this world a better place, right
here, right now. It starts with you going out and doing something nice
for someone. We need to live in a world free of fear. That time begins
now.
``Ramses Tinoco'' of Orlando, Florida.
Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Soto for his
remarks.
I would like to continue to share letters from the survivors of
Pulse. The next letter that I will share comes from Brandon Wolf.
``It is hard to believe it has been a year. That Saturday night was
like any other: loud music, skinny jeans, cheap drinks. Alongside my
best friends, Drew Leinonen and Juan Guerrero, I was as free as ever.
Standing outside on the patio, in his typical way, Drew tossed his arm
around my shoulders and spoke his last words to me: `You know what we
never say enough? That we love each other.' ''
Those were the last words that Drew spoke that evening.
`` . . . I learned a lesson from Orlando's recovery: that equality
and unity aren't trophies, and the journey we are on isn't over. We
can't take our eyes off the prize or forget what lies ahead.
``We have to disarm hate. Silence it. Snuff it out. Replace it with
the same message Drew had for me: love.
``Brandon Wolf.''
At this time, I yield to my colleague from Florida (Mr. Soto) to
share another letter regarding this tragic incident.
Mr. SOTO. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings) for
sharing Brandon's story.
Next we have a story from a friend.
``My name is Jim McDermott, and I am a good friend of Chris Brodman
who was the first survivor of the Pulse massacre to pass away of a rare
brain aneurysm on September 11 of last year. Chris came to Orlando and
made it his home in the fall of 2007. His outgoing, natural interest in
other people and their stories made him quite popular in our
community--and we are still grieving his loss to this day. It is hard
to imagine that his constant, wonderful smile is not around anymore to
brighten our days.
``He was and is the best friend one could ever have.
``Chris was celebrating at Pulse a few days late because he had to
work on the actual day of his birthday itself. He was lingering with
friends, enjoying the festive atmosphere of the club that was one of
his favorites, when the attack began. In what I find to be an example
of his character, Chris pushed his friends to safety over the back
fence first before escaping himself. Not one person who knows him finds
this to be a surprise, as Chris was always our protector, our
confidante, and our hero.
``As we come upon the one-year mark of the assault on Pulse, we
wanted to remind the world of his heroism and his day-to-day loving
example of how a great person can affect your life for the better.
Chris loved people that were utterly themselves and unique. He prized
authenticity and loyalty wherever he went. He had high standards, and
he lived by them, and it made us want to live up to them as well.
``I know in my heart that he would want us to bridge the divides that
separate us. He believed strongly in forgiveness and kindness. He was
open to new ideas and new ways of thinking if it would lead people to a
better life. My favorite recent picture of him was after the shooting
where he proudly held up
[[Page H4847]]
a sign at the LGBT Center downtown saying: `Love always wins.'
``In his memory, let us strive to remember not just the victims of
this tragedy but the survivors as well. Let us ensure that they are
getting the counseling and medical care that they continue to need. We
should strive to maintain the loving bubble of hope that has surrounded
our city, because of this event, despite all of the strife and division
elsewhere in this country. We need to tell, preserve, and remember
their stories, for they are worth hearing.''
{time} 2045
``They have important lessons to teach all of us. Orlando is known as
being the premier destination in the world for families of all kinds--a
rainbow of diversity that is infused in every aspect of our city
beautiful. So today let us protect the loving vision Orlando has become
around the world in the face of this tragedy. Let us stay Orlando
Strong. And in so doing, we remain the beautiful haven that drew Chris
to us.
``And let us never forget the red-haired boy from Shirley, New York,
who taught us about unconditional love and friendship from the day he
arrived.
``We love you forever, Chris.
``Sincerely,
``Jim McDermott.''
Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to share a
survivor's letter by the name of Joshua McGill.
``My name is Joshua McGill, and I was there the night of the Pulse
shooting a year ago.
``Although nothing will ever take away that tragic night for me and
the fellow LGBTQ community, not only for Orlando, but for all people
around the world that were affected by this form of hate towards our
community, I must say that we have not let hate win thus far, and
continue to spread love and prayers for one another and for the other
families and victims that were either there that night, or affected in
some way.
``It has been a true honor in seeing how close everyone has come
together. It shows our strength as a whole and the love that we can all
provide for one another in a time of need.
``The continuance of all of this gives me hope for my future in the
community and in the world. May God bless you and everyone out there.
``I've become a stronger person since then, and if my strength can
help others, I want to.
``Thank you for hearing my words.
``Joshua McGill.''
Mr. Speaker, I yield again to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto),
my colleague.
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida,
Congresswoman Demings, my colleague, for reading the letter of Joshua.
How inspiring it really was.
Next we have a statement from our dear friend, Eric Rollings, who is
one of our supervisors of the Orange County Soil and Water Board, and
who also is one of our only openly gay elected officials.
``As an openly gay elected official and Orlando resident for 27
years, I know the city and Orange County very well. We are a loving,
caring community that supports the rights and pursuit of happiness for
all of our residents. One year ago this very day, we were devastated to
feel the loss of so many lives from every part of all of Orlando. Yes,
Pulse by name was a gay nightclub, but it was attended by everyone and
all walks of life felt safe dancing and having a good time for more
than a decade.
``As the night became dawn and the horror of the extent of what
happened became painfully available by every media outlet, I didn't
need to listen to news reports because I live right across the street
from Pulse. The sound of the blades from the helicopters above my house
cut through June air, day after day, looking for a better camera angle.
Out of so much pain came so much love.
``Immediately Orlando went into action. The outpouring of love from
everywhere in the world is still so incredible. The help came from
faith-based organizations, the small stores, corporate America. Most of
all, it came out of love and our neighbors. I hope this never happens
to your community or any community, but it most likely will. Let me
offer some advice.
``Love thy neighbor, know your neighbor, and take care of your
neighbor. Do not wait until another tragedy. Talk to your children
about violence. Let's help the persons that suffer from mental
illnesses.
``There is a significance and real difference between a city that is
tolerant, a city accepting, and a city that embraces the LGBTQ and all
its communities and individuals within those communities. I am proud to
live in a city and a county that embraces! We are Orlando Strong and we
are Orlando United.''
Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share this last survival
letter for tonight. It is from Eric Borrero. It says:
``Dear Congress,
``It is to me how fast one year has gone by. The horrifying emotions
and feeling of that night have not fleeted. Instead, they lay dormant
in the recesses of my mind, bubbling up like lava in a moment's notice
from unforeseen triggers.
``It is like living on a roller coaster: having great moments over
the past year, making things feel absolutely normal; and extreme lows,
feeling as if I will never come out of the darkness.
``Even through the disturbing images of the past, I am optimistic
about the future I have ahead of me. I can fully grasp that life will
never go back to the normal that I once knew, but this experience has
helped me focus on what is needed in the world. That is love and
inclusion for all people.
``Over the past year, I have had the most amazing support system of
friends and family, who have been there for me as I have cried and
battled the demons that lay with me when I sleep.
``These feelings have not changed since that night, but I remain
positive and stand with my LGBTQ and Latinx brothers and sisters for a
better future for everyone.
``Regards,
``Eric Borrero.''
Mr. Speaker, I would like to share that, today, Representative Soto,
Representative Stephanie Murphy, and I introduced a resolution to
recognize and mark one year since the Pulse tragedy. We were joined by
143 Members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, who are standing to
show the community of Orlando that we stand with them in support; that
Congress will not forget the victims, the survivors, the first
responders, and the communities that are shattered by the hands of
domestic terrorists; and that we will do everything we can to prevent
future mass shootings, and take care of the people who are left
standing in the wake of these tragedies.
Mr. Speaker, our community declared June 12, 2017, Orlando United
Day, a day of love and kindness. All across our community, people are
coming together to honor the victims by volunteering and attending
vigils and memorials.
We are a community that will never forget. We won't forget those 49
innocent men and women who were sons, daughters, mothers, husbands,
wives, students, teachers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, who had a lot
of life left to live. We are a community that will continue to honor
these men and women, not through our words, but through our actions.
Mr. Speaker, I thank God for Representative Soto, for his service to
our community. I am honored to serve with him in the United States
Congress. I appreciate the work that he has done for the last several
years throughout our community. I was honored to share this Special
Order with him.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto).
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a list of the names of
those who perished in the Pulse Nightclub shooting.
[From www.cityoforlando.net, June 12, 2017]
Victim's Names
Stanley Almodovar III, 23 years old; Amanda L. Alvear, 25
years old; Oscar A. Aracena Montero, 26 years old; Rodolfo
Ayala Ayala, 33 years old; Antonio Davon Brown, 29 years old;
Darryl Roman Burt II, 29 years old; Angel Candelario-Padro,
28 years old; Juan Chavez Martinez, 25 years old; Luis Daniel
Conde, 39 years old; Cory James Connell, 21 years old.
Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25 years old; Deonka Deidra Drayton,
32 years old; Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31 years old;
Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25 years old; Mercedez Marisol
Flores, 26 years old; Peter Ommy Gonzalez Cruz, 22 years old;
Juan Ramon
[[Page H4848]]
Guerrero, 22 years old; Paul Terrell Henry, 41 years old;
Frank Hernandez, 27 years old; Miguel Angel Honorato, 30
years old.
Javier Jorge Reyes, 40 years old; Jason Benjamin Josaphat,
19 years old; Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30 years old; Anthony
Luis Laureano Disla, 25 years old; Christopher Andrew
Leinonen, 32 years old; Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21 years
old; Brenda Marquez McCool, 49 years old; Gilberto R. Silva
Menendez, 25 years old; Kimberly Jean Morris, 37 years old;
Akyra Monet Murray, 18 years old.
Luis Omar Ocasio Capo, 20 years old; Geraldo A. Ortiz
Jimenez, 25 years old; Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36 years old;
Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32 years old; Jean Carlos Mendez Perez,
35 years old; Enrique L. Rios, Jr., 25 years old; Jean Carlos
Nieves Rodriguez, 27 years old; Xavier Emmanuel Serrano-
Rosado, 35 years old; Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24 years
old; Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24 years old.
Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34 years old; Shane Evan Tomlinson,
33 years old; Martin Benitez Torres, 33 years old; Martin
Benitez Torres, 33 years old; Jonathan A. Camuy Vega, 24
years old; Juan Pablo Rivera Velazquez, 37 years old; Luis
Sergio Vielma, 22 years old; Franky Jimmy Delesus Velazquez,
50 years old; Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37 years old; Jerald
Arthur Wright, 31 years old.
Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
____________________