[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIVES OF THE HORTMAN FAMILY

  (Ms. Morrison of Minnesota was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. MORRISON. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a resolution honoring 
the lives of Minnesota State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and 
her husband, Mark Hortman, who we lost to an unspeakable act of 
political violence last year.
  Last week, the Minnesota House of Representatives convened for the 
first time in more than 20 years without Melissa's presence. This 
resolution is a celebration of Melissa's and Mark's lives and a 
commemoration of the legacy that they left behind.
  Whereas, Melissa Hortman served her community and the State of 
Minnesota with humility, compassion, and perseverance;
  Whereas, Mark Hortman was outgoing, caring, and genuine; a skilled 
professional; and deeply devoted to his family;
  Whereas, when a politically motivated gunman took the life of Melissa 
Hortman, Minnesota lost a tireless public servant whose accomplishments 
distinguished her as one of the most consequential speakers in the 
history of the Minnesota House of Representatives;
  Whereas, Hortman was a mother of two children, Colin and Sophie, and 
wife to husband Mark Hortman, who was killed alongside her;
  Whereas, Melissa Hortman was a lifelong Minnesotan who was born, 
raised, and lived most of her life in the northern suburbs of 
Minneapolis;
  Whereas, Mark Hortman was born and raised in North Carolina, 
graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and 
lived in Minnesota for over 30 years;
  Whereas, Melissa and Mark Hortman met while applying to be mentors in 
the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program and were brought 
together through their shared devotion to serving others;
  Whereas, Melissa Hortman was a lifelong learner who graduated from 
Blaine High School, Boston University, and the University of Minnesota 
Law School, then returned to school later in life to receive a master's 
in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School;
  Whereas, Hortman was a devoted public servant who spent her life 
helping others, teaching Sunday school, serving as a Girl Scout leader, 
and training service dogs for veterans;
  Whereas, one of Hortman's greatest loves was her family's golden 
retriever, Gilbert, who was adopted by the Hortmans after being deemed 
too friendly to be a service dog;
  Whereas, Hortman began her career in public service as a lawyer suing 
discriminatory landlords, reaching a record-setting verdict in a 
housing discrimination lawsuit;
  Whereas, Hortman demonstrated strength of character and perseverance 
in her determination to serve her community when she was victorious in 
her third run for the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004;
  Whereas, Hortman went on to win reelection 10 consecutive times from 
2006 to 2024 and was elected by her colleagues as minority leader in 
2017 and speaker of the house in 2019;
  Whereas, Hortman was the longest serving female speaker in Minnesota 
State history;
  Whereas, Hortman was passionate about preventing gun violence, 
protecting reproductive healthcare, and leaving behind a better world 
for future generations by addressing climate change through investments 
in renewable energy;
  Whereas, Hortman was proud to author Minnesota's solar standard and 
community solar law;
  Whereas, Hortman led with humor and a calm and steady demeanor, 
emphasizing the importance of conversation and listening to one another 
and rejecting the idea that our political differences should prevent us 
from working together;
  Whereas, Hortman respected and looked out for all members of her 
caucus, recognizing their duty to serve each of their unique 
constituencies while also holding them together to deliver for all 
Minnesotans one of the most productive legislative sessions in 
Minnesota's history;
  Whereas, Hortman will be remembered for the crucial role she played 
in enacting legislation that allows Minnesotans to take time to care 
for their loved ones, ensures no student goes hungry, guarantees that 
every woman has the right to bodily autonomy, and upholds our democracy 
by protecting free and fair elections;
  Whereas, Hortman led with humility and was quick to deflect 
recognition, allowing others to take the spotlight;
  Whereas, Hortman recognized that true leaders do not bully and 
coerce; they listen and sacrifice, compromise while remaining true to 
their convictions, and inspire others to share in their vision of a 
better future; and
  Whereas, this is a moment of mourning a great giant among Minnesota 
lawmakers;
  Now, therefore, be it resolved that the House of Representatives 
honors the life of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman for her devotion and 
service to the people of Minnesota; honors the life of Mark Hortman for 
his devotion to his family and service to his community; honors the 
life of Gilbert Hortman for his devotion to Melissa, treats, and lying 
in the snow; honors the leadership of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, 
who led with kindness and compassion, passion and pragmatism, and 
conviction and respect; and honors the legacy of Speaker Emerita 
Melissa Hortman for her exemplary record in working through political 
differences through civil discourse and a shared desire to make 
Minnesota and her country a better place for the next generation.

                          ____________________