Agreed to Senate — S.Res. 174

III

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 174

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

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.