Hoyer Remarks on Resolution Condemning the Attacks in Paris

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) spoke on the House Floor today in support of a resolution condemning the terrorist attacks in Paris and expressing solidarity with the people of France. Below is a transcript of his remarks and a link to the video:

Click here to watch the video.

“I want to thank the Chairman and the Ranking Member for bringing this Resolution to the Floor. It is sad that we [have to] bring this Resolution to the Floor, and it is sad that, too often, we see the results of terrorism around the world.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support, as I think all Members will, of this Resolution expressing Congress' solidarity with the people of Paris and all of France after Friday's terror attacks.

“America knows that Paris is the ‘City of Light.’ On Friday evening, 129 very bright, vibrant lights were suddenly extinguished, leaving a dark void in the heart of the city and in the hearts of millions across France, America, and the world.  Our flag on this Capitol stands at half-staff in memory of those 129 souls.  As we mourn them, pray for their families, and offer our aid to the wounded, we stand with a firm resolve to deny the perpetrators a chance to instill in us that which they seek: fear.

“These attacks were carried out by individuals who follow a hopeless ideology, who look with awe to a twisted image of the past, because they are blind to the better future the rest of us can envision. Without a belief in tomorrow, there is only fear and the acts of cowardice it inspires.

“But the French Republic and the American Republic were neither born in fear, nor do we live in fear.  We were born in hope and in courage.  We were born looking forward.  And both our nations were founded upon the same ideals of liberty, democracy, and individual rights espoused by Rousseau and Jefferson, Montesquieu and Paine. 

“The Marquis de Lafayette is the only substantial painting other than the Father of our Nation, George Washington, to be pictured in this hall of democracy, in this hall of free people.  It was the French, with the liaison of the Marquis de Lafayette, as France stood with us for freedom, for equality, and – yes – for fraternity, brotherhood between us and them.  Across the river from the Eiffel Tower, in the middle of a major traffic circle in Paris, one can see a majestic statue of his brother-in-arms, George Washington, raising his sword high in a triumphant salute.  Lafayette and his French officers suffered hunger and cold at Valley Forge to help secure for the American people our freedom. Generations later, American Rangers scaled the craggy cliffs at Pointe-du-Hoc to help the people of France regain theirs.

“Our history binds us together. So does our future. And that's because we believe in tomorrow.  Ever hopeful, we believe that the unknown, which lies ahead, can be shaped by our hands into a better world than the one we know today.  That's what sets us apart from our enemies.  That's why those who perpetrated Friday's attack will never, never, never win.  It is why, no matter what historians in the future call ISIS or ISIL or Daesh, they will surely be using only the past tense.  And it's why the people of France and America and all who cherish the freedom to think, to speak, to worship, and to strive for a better tomorrow must stand together, as we have before, and shine the bright light of our values and our principles into the darkness we confront.

“Nous sommes Français.  We are all French today.

“It will not be quick.  It will not be easy.  It will test our resolve, and it will test our will.  But with Lafayette watching over us in this House, and with George Washington standing guard over the city of Paris – and with Lady Liberty holding her torch high – surely France and America and all those who love liberty and justice throughout the world will continue to cast the light of hope and strength and freedom for our world.

“May God bless our French brothers and sisters.  We send them our sympathy, and we pledge them our resolve.”