[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H607-H608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 MOMENT OF SILENCE HONORING VICTIMS OF THE KOBE BRYANT HELICOPTER CRASH

  (Mr. ROUDA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with the 
California delegation to speak about the terrible loss our community 
has endured and to honor the lives of those who perished on Sunday.
  We are all heartbroken by the loss of life, as this week our 
neighbors lost parents, children, friends, coaches, and heroes in a 
horrific accident: Alyssa, Keri, and John Altobelli; Gianna and Kobe 
Bryant; Payton and Sarah Chester; Christina Mauser; and Ara Zobayan.
  They were all connected by a love of the game, a steadfast belief in 
sports being bigger than a score, more than just an hour or two on the 
court.
  The parents we lost knew all too well that the early morning wake-
ups, sweaty car rides, and late nights in a gym were worth the lessons 
they instilled in their children: teamwork, dedication, and faith.
  Our community lost kids who were overflowing with promise; kids who 
were great competitors and even better friends; kids you could count 
on, on and off the court; kids who pushed themselves to be more and who 
were the best daughters that any parent could ask for.
  All of us wish they could play another game.
  Orange County is grieving, but we will find solace and purpose in the 
example they left behind and the belief in something bigger than 
ourselves.
  I ask that in Orange County and across our Nation, we think of the 
lives lost, in neighborhood basketball courts, school gyms, NBA arenas, 
and wherever the game is played.
  May God bless their families, and may our community come together to 
offer them this support in this trying time.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), 
my distinguished colleague.
  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I stand today on behalf of all Californians; 
certainly, the entire city of Los Angeles; and millions of fans 
worldwide who are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of one of the 
greatest athletes we have ever known: Kobe Bryant.
  Celebrated as a king in Los Angeles, Kobe's death is deeply painful 
for our city and his millions of fans everywhere.
  For decades, he dazzled generations of fans and aspiring athletes, 
leaving a legacy as a prolific athlete, devoted husband, loving father, 
and philanthropist that will never be forgotten.
  This tragic event is made worse by the death of his 13-year-old 
daughter, Gianna Bryant, a beautiful young lady who was so full of life 
and potential.
  Our hearts go out to his wife, Vanessa; surviving daughters, Bianka, 
Natalia, and Capri; relatives; teammates; and friends.
  On behalf of the California delegation, we lift up the names of Kobe 
Bryant; his beloved daughter, Gianna; and all the victims of this 
horrible tragedy in prayer and reverence. We send our deepest 
condolences to their loved ones, now and forever.
  Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members and guests in the 
gallery rise for a moment of silence.

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