Norton Remarks before Leading Moment of Silence for Navy Yard Shooting Victims on House Floor

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) made the following statement this evening on floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, before leading a moment of silence in memory of the 12 Americans who lost their lives during the Navy Yard shooting yesterday.

"Mr. Speaker, we rise in tribute to 12 Americans, almost all federal employees, who lost their lives in the service of the United States yesterday in a mass shooting at the Navy Yard. They were civilian employees of the Naval Sea System Command. Unlike the blue collar workers of the old Navy Yard, Naval Sea Systems Command employees are skilled white collar employees, highly trained to offer technical support for building, buying and manufacturing the Navy's ships and combat systems.

"The Navy Yard was renovated with historic deference to the old work place, and the Naval Sea Systems Command jumpstarted the redevelopment of the neighborhood that received them. The Naval Sea Systems Command became a good neighbor, though we knew little of the work done in that secure facility. We did know this. These federal employees deserved our respect and admiration because they and their work were vital to our nation.

"I ask the House to join me and my colleagues for a moment of silence for these 12 who gave all they had for their country yesterday."

Published: September 17, 2013