Today, Representative Darren Soto announced that his legislation with Stephanie Murphy and Val Demings to establish the Pulse nightclub as a federally recognized National Memorial Site will be brought to the House floor for a vote by the end of June. The announcement comes on the fourth anniversary of the tragic terrorist attack that left 49 dead in the shooting.
“I am pleased to announce that Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has committed to bringing our bill to the House Floor for a vote before the end of June. Given the Pulse Remembrance Ceremony today, supporters may take some solace in this latest development during this time of mourning, reflection and unity,” said Rep. Soto.
H.R. 3094 grants a federal designation honoring the 49 lives taken on June 12, 2016, as well as the survivors, first responders, and the entire Central Florida community. A non-National Park Service affiliated federal recognition as a National Memorial site allows for public or private grants. The legislation passed by unanimous consent on March 11th in the House Committee on Natural Resources.
On June 12, 2016, 49 lives were taken and others were injured in the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Following the tragedy, Pulse nightclub owner Barbara Poma established onePULSE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit, to memorialize the tragedy and ensure that Pulse’s legacy of love, acceptance and hope will never be lost. onePULSE plans to build the National Pulse Memorial and Museum that will include the Orlando Health Survivors Walkway – slated to open in 2022 – on the site of the Pulse nightclub and nearby properties.
To view the Congressional legislation, click here.
Related: ‘Love Wins’: Demings Honors Pulse Victims & Calls for End of Gun Violence
