This week, ahead of the six year anniversary of the terror attack on Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., introduced and passed by unanimous consent a resolution recognizing the anniversary and honoring the 49 innocent victims.
Last year, Scott led the effort in the Senate to unanimously pass his legislation with U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif. establishing Pulse Nightclub as a national memorial. The legislation was approved by the U.S .House and signed into law.
Scott said the following on the Senate floor on Wednesday:
“Nearly six years ago, our state, nation, the city of Orlando, and Hispanic and LGBTQ communities were attacked. 49 innocent and beautiful lives were lost. It was an evil and hateful act – an act of terrorism – designed to divide us as a nation and strike fear in our hearts and minds.
“But instead, we came together. We supported each other. And we persevered. We proved to the world what we in Florida already knew: Floridians are resilient.
“The days I spent in Orlando following the shooting will always be with me. I talked to parents who lost their children. I went to funerals and wakes. And I sat in hospital rooms. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. It was heartbreaking.
“But, in this horribly dark time, the selfless courage of so many, from community members to law enforcement to healthcare workers, provided a sense of hope. This incredible strength, love and bravery lifted up Orlando and the state of Florida and helped us begin to rebuild.
“This week, on the sixth anniversary of this devastating tragedy, the state of Florida comes together to honor the lives lost too soon. And we vow to always stand up and fight against evil and hatred in this world.
“I was proud that last year, Congress passed and the president signed into law legislation I introduced with Senators Rubio and Alex Padilla to designate the location of Pulse Nightclub in Orlando as the ‘National Pulse Memorial’ which will honor the memory of those we lost.
“Today, I’m requesting all my colleagues join Senator Rubio and me to pass a resolution honoring the memory of the 49 lives lost during the heinous attack at the Pulse Nightclub.
“Let’s come together now to say that our nation will always stand against hate and evil in this world.”
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