[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 2122]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF KAYLA JEAN MUELLER

  (Mr. GOSAR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, we, the Arizona delegation, rise today to 
honor the life of one of our own, one of our young, and one of our very 
best.
  Kayla Jean Mueller of Prescott, Arizona, was a young woman full of 
youthful exuberance, optimism about peace and humanity, and was willing 
to put her life on the line to help others halfway around the world. 
Kayla stood as a beacon of light and hope in a time that is too often 
filled with darkness. She was a beautiful soul, and I know she is with 
God now.
  While all of our hearts are heavy with the sadness of Kayla's 
passing, we stand here unified and strengthened to carry on her spirit, 
courage, and compassion that has touched millions. We must endeavor to 
remain brave and strong in the face of those who wish to terrify, just 
as Kayla did.
  No parent should ever have to endure the pain and suffering of losing 
a child so early, but now, let us look back fondly upon her life and 
the many ways she made our lives better by the words she spoke: ``I 
find God in the suffering eyes reflected in mine. If this is how you 
are revealed to me, this is how I will forever seek you.''
  I now yield to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Kirkpatrick).
  Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Madam Speaker, we are here today to honor Kayla 
Mueller, her courage, and her undying spirit and determination; and we 
are here to offer our hearts and prayers in comfort to her grieving 
family and friends.
  In Arizona, in Flagstaff and in Prescott, we are all neighbors, and 
we are all friends. Kayla went to Northern Arizona University, which is 
in my hometown, Flagstaff. In talking to her friends and her 
professors, everyone talked about her dedication to serving others. 
Even if it meant going to faraway places that were dangerous, she was 
driven by a compassion to help the suffering.
  We know that her short life is proof that one dedicated soul can 
touch a thousand others. Let us all keep Kayla's family in our prayers 
and her legacy in our hearts.
  Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I now ask the House to join my colleagues 
and me for a moment of silence to honor the immortal spirit of Kayla 
Mueller.

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