[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17289]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           SANDY HOOK TRAGEDY

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today we mourn as a nation with Newtown, 
Connecticut, and the Sandy Hook Elementary community. My thoughts and 
prayers go out to the victims of this horrendous tragedy and their 
families.
  On Friday, 27 people, including children, had their futures stolen 
from them as a result of another senseless act of violence. My heart 
breaks for their loved ones and the community of Newtown.
  Unfortunately, this is the fourth mass shooting that our Nation has 
endured in as many years. This tragedy in particular hits home for the 
millions of parents across America because the victims were elementary 
school kids--children who expected to be in a safe and secure 
environment.
  We must begin to have a meaningful discussion not only on gun 
control, but about the security of our schools, as well as the access 
to mental health care services. While one bill won't end all evil 
actions, Congress must begin to work together to improve the safety of 
our citizens.
  I'd like to conclude with honoring our Nation's teachers, those 
individuals who day in and day out provide for and nurture our 
children, and in this circumstance, gave their lives.

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