Mass. Congressional Delegation Introduces Marathon Resolution

Members of Congress from Massachusetts introduced a joint resolution Wednesday "expressing support, sympathy, and prayers for all persons impacted by" the Boston Marathon explosions.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. William "Mo" Cowan gave their first speeches on the U.S. Senate floor, expressing condolences for the victims and gratitude toward those that helped.

"Every year during the Marathon, we are one family," Warren said. "We cheer for each other, and we carry each other across finish lines. When tragedy strikes, we are also one family. We hurt together, and we help together."

Cowan spoke about each of the three people killed, including eight-year-old Martin Richard, who was the same age as Cowan's son.

"As we remember those lost and injured, we know that what is good about the human spirit will triumph over the cowards that attacked us," Cowan said.

Secretary of State John Kerry, who until January was the state's senior senator, also spoke about the blasts Wednesday.

"It’s impossible for me to express my sadness and my anger," Kerry said. “It’s just hard to believe that a Patriots Day holiday, which is normally such a time of festivities, turned into to bloody mayhem.”

Here is the full text of the resolution:

RESOLUTION

Condemning the horrific attacks of April 15, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, and expressing support, sympathy, and prayers for all persons impacted by this tragedy.

Whereas the two bombings that occurred in Boston, Massachusetts, on Patriots’ Day, April 15, 2013, during the running of the 117th Boston Marathon represent a terrible tragedy and horrific act of terrorism against the people of the United States;

Whereas the people of the United States mourn for those persons who lost their lives or were wounded in the attacks;

Whereas police, firefighters, National Guard personnel, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders acted promptly and heroically in responding to the attacks, thereby helping to prevent additional losses of life;

Whereas the full resources of the Federal, State, and local governments are being brought to bear to investigate these attacks and to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice;

Whereas the citizens of Massachusetts are a resilient people and will recover from this tragedy; and

Whereas the people of the United States will always remember the victims of the previous acts of terrorism that have occurred in the United States and will always stand together as one people:

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives [United States Senate]

(1) condemns the senseless attacks in Boston, Massachusetts, on Monday, April 15, 2013;

(2) offers sympathy and condolences to the victims’ families;

(3) sends thoughts and prayers for those persons who are recovering from injuries;

(4) honors the heroic efforts of medical personnel who are tirelessly providing care for the victims of this horrific act of violence;

(5) admires the courage of first responders and the many citizen heroes who aided the injured and tended to the community;

(6) commits to providing all necessary resources to law enforcement officials who are investigating the terrorist attacks;

(7) commits to working together as united Americans to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators of the attacks to justice; and

(8) recognizes that the city of Boston, the people of Massachusetts, and all Americans will rise up from this tragedy and stand together as patriots.