Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio
Washington. D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced and passed, by unanimous consent, a resolution (S. Res. 265) recognizing the fifth anniversary and honoring the 49 victims of the tragic terrorist attack on Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Rubio and Scott, along with Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), also passed by unanimous consent their legislation (S. 1605) to establish the National Pulse Memorial to serve as a tribute to the lives lost on that tragic day, as well as a reminder to always stand for love and kindness over hate and evil in this world. A companion bill to the memorial legislation was led by Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL) in the House and passed by voice vote on May 13 (H.R. 49). The bill now heads to President Joe Biden for his signature.
“The terrorist attack at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub was a heinous act of violence and hatred against members of the LGBTQ community,” Rubio said. “Forty-nine innocent lives were lost on that horrific day. As the fifth anniversary approaches, we must continue to honor the memory of those who were taken far too soon. And while work still remains to root out evil, I am inspired by Orlando’s continued resiliency, pride, and strength.”
“Nearly five years ago today, our state, nation, the City of Orlando, and Hispanic and LGBTQ communities were attacked, and 49 innocent and beautiful lives were lost. It was an unspeakable tragedy,” Scott said. “An evil act of terrorism designed to divide us as a nation and strike fear in our hearts and minds. But instead, we came together, and supported each other through heartbreak and darkness, to preserve and rebuild. Today, we still stand strong, together, to remember the 49 young lives lost that tragic day and honor their memory with passage of our resolution and our bill to establish the ‘National Pulse Memorial.’ It is my hope that this memorial will forever serve as a tribute to the victims and a reminder for us all to always stand for love and kindness over hate and evil in this world.”
Rubio also spoke on the Senate floor to recognize the fifth anniversary and honor the victims of the Pulse Nightclub terrorist attack.