[Pages S2571-S2572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 174--COMMEMORATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACK 
                ON THE ALFRED P. MURRAH FEDERAL BUILDING

  Mr. LANKFORD (for himself and Mr. Mullin) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 174

       Whereas, 30 years ago, on Wednesday morning, April 19, 
     1995, at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma 
     City, Oklahoma, the United States was brutally attacked in 
     the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in the Nation's 
     history, which killed 168 people, including 19 children, and 
     injured more than 850 others, leaving an ineffaceable mark on 
     the Nation;

[[Page S2572]]

       Whereas the horror of the attack devastated hundreds of 
     families and left an enduring impact on the Oklahoma 
     community and the United States, demonstrating the 
     devastating consequences of violent acts of terror;
       Whereas the people of the United States still remember and 
     mourn those who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, ensuring 
     that their memory and sacrifice will not be forgotten;
       Whereas the explosion destroyed one-third of the 9-story 
     Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, creating a 30-foot by 8-
     foot crater in the street, damaging over 300 other buildings 
     in the surrounding area, including a childcare center in a 
     YMCA building, causing over $652,000,000 in total damages, 
     permanently wrecking the lives of countless members of the 
     community, and leaving a lasting impact that endures to the 
     date of this resolution;
       Whereas the brave heroes of Oklahoma and the United States 
     displayed extraordinary courage and compassion in a perilous 
     moment by responding to the attack, with incredible effort by 
     local, State, Tribal, and Federal law enforcement, 
     firefighters, emergency services, search and rescue teams, 
     and selfless volunteers from all over the United States who 
     saved lives, assisted the survivors, comforted the bereaved, 
     and provided any and all support that was needed, including 
     to those who came to Oklahoma City to aid those affected by 
     the horrific attack, showcasing the resilience of the 
     American spirit;
       Whereas, though faced with adversity and overwhelming 
     challenges, courageous men and women demonstrated immense 
     resilience that became the foundation upon which the 
     beautiful story of the strength and hope of Oklahoma was 
     built, setting an example for future generations to overcome 
     tragedy with determination and grace;
       Whereas, while this tragedy was one of the most devastating 
     acts of evil in Oklahoma's history, the people of the United 
     States can look back and see how heroically the community 
     responded and be proud of the courage, bravery, and love that 
     was displayed for the world to see;
       Whereas the civic community, nonprofit community, art 
     community, faith-based community, houses of worship, and 
     numerous others acted in a self-sacrificial manner and 
     stepped up in a time of desperation to help the people in the 
     community who were impacted by this great tragedy, showcasing 
     the unbreakable spirit of kindness that represents the best 
     of humanity;
       Whereas the people of Oklahoma and the United States have 
     established and preserved a permanent Oklahoma City National 
     Memorial to honor those who lost their lives, those who 
     survived, and all who were changed forever;
       Whereas the Oklahoma City National Memorial draws hundreds 
     of thousands of visitors from around the world each year to 
     the site of that tragic event, acting as a place of 
     reflection and remembrance;
       Whereas the Oklahoma City National Memorial brings comfort, 
     strength, peace, hope, and serenity to the many visitors who 
     come to the memorial and museum each year to remember and to 
     learn, fostering a commitment to a more peaceful society;
       Whereas the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation 
     holds an annual marathon on the anniversary of the terrorist 
     attack in which thousands of people participate to honor 
     those who lost their lives and the families who were affected 
     by this great tragedy, transforming grief into action and 
     remembrance into renewal;
       Whereas the Oklahoma City Bombing Survivor's Network was 
     created by survivors of the bombing who came together and 
     helped those directly affected by the tragedy by providing 
     space for survivors to share their experiences, strengthen 
     each other, and provide access to therapy services;
       Whereas the ``Oklahoma Standard'' was born out of the 
     Oklahoma City bombing and is a true testament to the spirit 
     of Oklahoma's people and an embodiment of the heart of 
     Oklahoma, inspiring others to act with kindness, service, and 
     resilience and reminding the Nation that goodness prevails 
     even in the face of abhorrent violence;
       Whereas the Survivor Tree, an American elm that survived 
     the blast of the Oklahoma City bombing, still stands stronger 
     than ever and serves as a symbol of hope and courage to all 
     those who were affected by the terrorist attack, a living 
     witness to the strength of endurance;
       Whereas, in 2025, a sapling from the Survivor Tree was 
     planted on the grounds of the United States Capitol to honor 
     the message of hope and perseverance Oklahomans and the 
     entire United States brought forward after the tragic attack, 
     ensuring its legacy endures and inspires future generations; 
     and
       Whereas the 30th anniversary of the terrorist bombing of 
     the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, 
     Oklahoma, is on April 19, 2025: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) joins with the people of the United States in sending 
     condolences, respect, and prayers to the families, friends, 
     and neighbors of the 168 people killed in the terrorist 
     bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma 
     City, Oklahoma;
       (2) recognizes the remarkable courage and selflessness of 
     countless individuals and organizations both locally and from 
     around the United States who embodied the ``Oklahoma 
     Standard'' and self-sacrificially provided immediate aid, 
     comfort, and healing to the devastated community following 
     the bombing;
       (3) thanks the brave heroes, who aided those in need after 
     the Oklahoma City bombing, who have not been previously 
     thanked or have been underappreciated in the past;
       (4) sends the thoughts and prayers of the Senate to those 
     still suffering from the mental and physical injuries from 
     the bombing;
       (5) expresses the gratitude of the Senate for the recovery 
     of those who were able to recover from their injuries;
       (6) thanks the thousands of first responders, rescue 
     workers, medical personnel, and volunteers from Oklahoma and 
     across the United States who answered the call for help that 
     April morning and in the days and weeks that followed;
       (7) resolves to work with the people of the United States 
     to promote the goals and mission established by the Oklahoma 
     City National Memorial on the 30th anniversary of that 
     fateful day;
       (8) supports the resolve for the future, written on the 
     wall of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, ``We come here 
     to remember those who were killed, those who survived, and 
     those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact 
     of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, 
     peace, hope, and serenity.'';
       (9) encourages the people of the United States to look to 
     the bravery and selflessness of those who stepped up in a 
     perilous moment in time to help the hurt community in 
     Oklahoma City as an example of resilience, unity, and 
     compassion, and to embody these values in their own 
     communities;
       (10) affirms the significance of memorializing that tragic 
     moment in the history of the United States and honoring the 
     victims and survivors of the attack by ensuring that lessons 
     learned from the Oklahoma City bombing shape the Nation's 
     approach to combating violence, demonstrating selfless 
     compassion to individuals and families affected by tragedies, 
     and inspiring hope for the entire United States and the 
     world;
       (11) congratulates the people of Oklahoma City for making 
     tremendous progress over the past 3 decades and demonstrating 
     their steadfast commitment to the ability of hope to triumph 
     over violence;
       (12) applauds the people of Oklahoma City as they persevere 
     and stand as a beacon to the rest of the United States and 
     the world, attesting to the strength of goodness in 
     overcoming evil wherever it arises; and
       (13) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an 
     enrolled copy of this resolution to the Oklahoma City 
     National Memorial Foundation, as an expression of 
     appreciation.

                          ____________________