Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting and honoring the memories of the victims, survivors, and their families.

Bill: 118-hres-1152
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]
Introduced: 2024-04-16
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Latest action: action_date: 2024-04-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Summaries:
action_date: 2024-04-16
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting and honors the memories of the victims, survivors, and their families.</p><p>The resolution also reaffirms the commitment to advancing policies and initiatives aimed at preventing gun violence, supporting mental health resources, and fostering safer schools and communities.</p>

tv_txt: IV 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1152 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 16, 2024 Mr. Crow (for himself, Ms. DeGette , Mr. Neguse , Ms. Caraveo , Ms. Pettersen , Ms. Moore of Wisconsin , Ms. Norton , Ms. Stevens , Ms. Jackson Lee , Ms. Williams of Georgia , Mr. Nickel , Mr. Moulton , Ms. Brown , Mrs. Torres of California , Mr. Auchincloss , Ms. Brownley , Mr. Peters , Ms. McCollum , Mr. Carson , Ms. McClellan , Ms. Porter , Ms. Jacobs , Mr. Menendez , Mr. Moskowitz , and Mrs. Foushee ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce RESOLUTION Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting and honoring the memories of the victims, survivors, and their families.

Whereas, on April 20, 1999, the Columbine High School shooting shocked the Nation and forever changed the lives of countless individuals; Whereas the tragic events of that day resulted in the loss of innocent lives, devastating injuries, and profound trauma for the Columbine community and the entire country; Whereas the courage and resilience demonstrated by the students, teachers, first responders, and community members in the face of unimaginable horror continue to inspire and unite the United States in its commitment to preventing further acts of violence; Whereas, since the Columbine tragedy, countless communities across the United States have been affected by gun violence, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive action to address this epidemic; Whereas for the 25th anniversary of the Columbine shooting, the Nation solemnly remembers and honors the lives of the following 13 victims whose futures were tragically cut short: (1) Cassie Bernall, age 17, whose unwavering commitment to her faith inspired those around her at Columbine. Known for her courage and devotion, she symbolized strength and conviction to her peers. Her compassionate nature was evident in her plans to donate her hair to children undergoing chemotherapy, showcasing her selflessness and kindness. She was actively involved in church activities and was deeply committed to her beliefs. (2) Steven Steve Curnow, age 14, an avid Star Wars fan with a passion for sports and academics. He could recite the lines of each movie and was collecting and reading numerous books from the Star Wars series. Steve was also an avid soccer player and was learning from his father how to be a referee. He was considered a delight to know, known for his bright personality and love for life. (3) Corey DePooter, age 17, a dedicated athlete and ROTC member who displayed bravery and selflessness during the shooting. He was remembered as a loyal friend and a natural leader, with a deep sense of duty towards his community. Corey was also an expert fisherman, and he had recently returned from a fishing trip with his best friend, where he caught the biggest fish of his life, a 7-pound bass. His love for fishing reflected his appreciation for nature and his ability to find joy in simple pleasures. (4) Kelly Fleming, age 16, an artistic soul with a talent for writing and photography. She wanted to be a writer and hoped to be remembered for the book she was going to do based on her life experiences. Kelly was known for her creativity and compassionate nature, always seeking to capture the beauty of the world around her through her writing and photography. She had a unique perspective on life and was deeply committed to sharing her insights and stories with others. (5) Matthew Kechter, age 16, was known for his kindness and his passion for helping others. He was described as a gentle giant, standing tall at 6-foot-4, with a heart to match his stature. Matthew had a love for engineering and technology, always eager to explore new ideas and solve complex problems. He was a dedicated member of his school’s robotics club, where he demonstrated his innovative thinking and leadership skills. Matthew’s friends and family remember him as a bright and caring young man who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. (6) Daniel Mauser, age 15, was known for his intelligence and reserved nature, challenging himself by participating in cross-country and debate. Described as lovable and kind, he was highly regarded by his neighbors for his willingness to help others. Daniel enjoyed skiing and camping with his father, Tom, and enjoyed participating in the school’s French club. Daniel had previously asked his father if he knew about the gun show loophole in the Brady Bill, something his father Tom has fought to close after Daniel’s passing. Daniel’s impact on those around him was profound, leaving a lasting impression on his community. (7) Daniel Danny Rohrbough, age 15, was known for his infectious energy and his unwavering kindness towards others. He grew up helping his family every summer harvest wheat on their farm in Kansas. He had a passion for sports, particularly baseball, and was described as a dedicated athlete. Danny was deeply loved by his family and friends, who remember him fondly for his outgoing personality and his ability to bring joy to those around him. His friends and family described him as kind, unselfish, and caring. (8) Rachel Scott, age 17, was remembered as a creative and empathetic individual who spread kindness and compassion to everyone she met. Actively involved in community service projects, she was known for her positive attitude and infectious smile. Her legacy of love and empathy continues to inspire acts of kindness and compassion in others. (9) Isaiah Shoels, age 18, was known not only for his athletic and musical talents but also for his unwavering kindness and compassion. He had an infectious smile that could brighten anyone’s day and a positive attitude that lifted the spirits of those around him. Isaiah was a natural leader who brought people together through his inclusivity and willingness to help others. He left a lasting impact on his community, and his memory continues to be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. (10) John Tomlin, age 16, was known for his love of Chevy pickup trucks and his deep faith, active in his church youth group and planning to join the Army after graduation. Despite his initial shyness, he was remembered for his goofiness and kindness, always striving to make others smile. John’s dedication to his beloved Chevy pickup and his job at Arapahoe Acres Nursery showcased his hardworking nature and strong work ethic. His faith was a significant part of his life, evident in his commitment to attending church and encouraging others to join him, providing comfort to his loved ones in the wake of his tragic passing. (11) Lauren Townsend, age 18, was known for her kindness and academic excellence. As a senior and captain of the girls’ varsity volleyball team, she demonstrated leadership on and off the court. Her passion for animals led her to work at an animal shelter, reflecting her compassionate nature. Despite her untimely death in the shooting, her family remembers her with love and gratitude for the bright future she had ahead. The Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund has been established in her memory to honor her legacy. (12) Kyle Velasquez, age 16, was a student with a passion for technology. He was remembered as a compassionate and caring individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. (13) William Dave Sanders, age 47, was a teacher and coach who heroically saved countless lives during the shooting. He was known for his dedication to his students and his commitment to their success both in and out of the classroom. Former students remember him as a motivating force, always knowing just the right things to say to inspire his players. Sanders, who dedicated 25 years to teaching and coaching at Columbine, had a talent for relating to young people and caring about their personal lives and futures. He was deeply supportive and believed in his students even when they doubted themselves. Whereas the Nation extends its deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims, whose lives were forever changed by this senseless act of violence; Whereas the Nation also pays tribute to the survivors of the Columbine shooting, whose strength, resilience, and advocacy have played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the impact of gun violence and promoting meaningful change; and Whereas on this somber occasion, the Nation reaffirms its commitment to honoring the memory of the Columbine victims by working tirelessly to prevent future tragedies and to ensure that every student, teacher, and community member can learn, work, and thrive in safety and peace: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting and honors the memories of the victims, survivors, and their families; (2) expresses heartfelt condolences to all those whose lives have been forever altered by the Columbine tragedy; (3) recognizes the resilience and courage of the Columbine community in the face of adversity and applauds their ongoing efforts to promote healing and unity; (4) reaffirms its commitment to advancing policies and initiatives aimed at preventing gun violence, supporting mental health resources, and fostering safer schools and communities for all; (5) pledges to remember the victims of the Columbine shooting not only in mourning but also in action, by advocating for meaningful reforms to address the root causes of gun violence and promote a culture of empathy, compassion, and understanding; (6) encourages all people in the United States to honor the memory of the Columbine victims by spreading kindness, supporting one another, and working together to build a more peaceful and inclusive society; and (7) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit enrolled copies of this resolution to the families of the victims, the survivors of the Columbine shooting, and the Columbine community as a symbol of Congress’ unwavering support and solidarity.