[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 174 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 174

   Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the attack on the Alfred P. 
                        Murrah Federal Building.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 10, 2025

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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the attack on the Alfred P. 
                        Murrah Federal Building.

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;
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.
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