Reps. Soto, Demings and Murphy's Pulse Memorial Bill Gets Heard at the Natural Resources Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) spoke at the Natural Resources Committee's legislative hearing on H.R. 3094 that calls for the designation of Pulse nightclub as a federally recognized National Memorial Site. This bill was introduced in June of this year on the two-year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting which directly targeted members of the LGBTQ and Hispanic community.

"This memorial will be critical for our nation to remember those 49 angels we lost, providing a place for reflection and to pay respects, and educate future generations on combatting hate against our LGBTQ and LatinX communities," said Rep. Soto.

Rep. Val Demings said, "This important legislation is one step closer to law. The victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting deserve to be remembered in a special way. We lost so much on June 12, 2016, but we must continue to stand united as we work to build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community for all people."

"I'm proud to be part of this joint effort to designate Pulse as a National Memorial Site," said Rep. Stephanie Murphy. "We owe it to the families and loved ones of the 49 victims to honor their memories by dedicating a national memorial that reflects the same love, hope, and respect that showed the world why we are Orlando Strong. I will keep working with Reps. Soto and Demings to ensure that this bill moves forward in the House and can soon be passed into law."

On June 12, 2016, 49 lives were tragically taken and 68 others were injured at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Following the tragedy, the site of the Pulse Nightclub has become a permanent symbol in the Central Florida community. The creation of this memorial will ensure that not only the city of Orlando, but the Nation never forgets the need for love, acceptance and hope.

Rep. Soto's remarks at the hearing are here.

###

Congressman Darren Soto represents Florida's 9th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk counties.

Twitter/Instagram: @RepDarrenSoto | Facebook: CongressmanDarrenSoto | Website: https://soto.house.gov