[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5631]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                CONDOLENCES FOR THE TRAGEDY AT FORT HOOD

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
thoughts and prayers to the individuals, families, and loved ones of 
those affected by the tragedy at Fort Hood. To have this happen a 
second time adds more heartbreak to a community still grieving from the 
tragic events of 2009.
  There are still a lot of questions to be answered. Assuredly, like 
many cases where suicide is involved, we may never know the motive. 
Undoubtedly, the gunman's mental wellbeing, along with many other 
variables, continue under investigation.
  Not until we know more from the leadership in charge of the 
investigation would it be appropriate to speculate facts or other 
variables.
  Yes, given a preliminary description of events, it is hard not to 
place a tragedy in perspective--in the context of the grave challenge 
our Nation faces when it comes to better addressing issues of 
behavioral health, mental illness, and suicide.
  For now, we pray. For now, we praise. For now, we honor each 
individual and each sacred life lost.

                          ____________________