A resolution expressing the condolences of the Senate to those affected by the tragic events of December 5, 2007, at Westroads Mall in Omaha, Nebraska.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor and remember the victims of yesterday's tragic shooting in Omaha, NE. I know every one of my colleagues joins me in extending our prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims and the entire Omaha community.

On Wednesday, December 5, 2007, the worst mass slaying in Nebraska history occurred at the Westroads Mall in Omaha, claiming the lives of eight victims. The names of those victims are: shoppers Gary Sharf of Lincoln, NE, and John McDonald of Council Bluffs, IA; and store employees Angie Schuster, Maggie Webb, Janet Jorgensen, Diane Trent, Gary Joy, and Beverly Flynn, all of Omaha. We must never forget these individuals or the horrible tragedy which took them from us.

In addition, five people were wounded. Nebraska stands with each of them on their road to recovery.

I concur with the words of Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, who said, ``We are a community who will grieve this loss. Omaha is a good city with wonderful people.''

At Westroads Mall, this time of year is especially lovely with holiday decorations and music. That peace and tranquility were forever shattered by this senseless act of violence. Today, many Nebraskans are asking, ``Why?'' but there are no answers.

We are shocked, grief-stricken and in complete disbelief. Things like this should not happen anywhere, but headlines like these are unexpected in places such as Omaha. Our community has been altered forever--a sentiment reflected in today's headline in the state's largest newspaper, which declared: ``It Happened To Us.''

So, now as we are celebrating what should be the most joyous season of the year, Nebraskans are preparing to bury our dead. And we are praying. We ask the nation to continue to pray with us; and on behalf of my fellow Nebraskans, I thank you for all the prayers and expressions of sympathy we have received.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 393, submitted earlier today.

I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid on the table, and any statements be printed in the Record.