[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9917]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRAGEDY IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

  Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, typically I would come to the floor and 
talk about the business at hand before the Senate, but I think that in 
light of the horrific news we all woke up to this morning, I wish to 
touch briefly on the tragic events that unfolded overnight in 
Charleston, SC.
  Although we don't know all the facts, by all appearances, the gunman 
targeted worshippers while they were in church in a way that certainly 
shocks all of our conscience and sensibilities. I think it is the sort 
of act that we all find hard to understand, and it is truly 
unspeakable.
  Law enforcement is doing what it does best, which is conducting its 
investigation, including looking for the suspect.
  I think it is appropriate that we all offer our thoughts and perhaps 
say a private prayer for all of those who were affected by this 
senseless and horrific tragedy.
  Obviously, the Senate has some important business to do, and I will 
come back later and talk more specifically about the Defense 
authorization bill and the next business we have in line, which is to 
make sure that our troops get paid and that we provide them the 
resources they so justly deserve and are entitled to.
  With that, I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. KING. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Rounds). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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