A resolution honoring the memory of the victims of the heinous attack at the Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016.

Madam President, this weekend will mark 6 years since 49 of our fellow Americans were killed in one of the deadliest attacks in our Nation's history.

It was a tragic, despicable terrorist attack on the Hispanic and gay communities in Orlando. Each person killed was a son or daughter, brother or sister, mother or father, husband or wife. They were part of our families and communities. The assault on Pulse was an act of pure evil that was and remains the worst terror attack on U.S. soil since September 11, 2001. And it was inspired by the same ideology of hate. But ultimately, that hateful ideology failed to tear apart our community.

June 12, 2016, is a day that I will never forget. The senseless, tragic loss of life will never dull with time, nor will the memory of how our communities came together in the days and weeks that followed. Pulse was a well-known nightclub in central Florida. It was part of the fabric of the local community, and that awful day struck a terrible blow. But the community awoke from the tragedy stronger and more united than it was before.

The terrorist would have been horrified to see the First Baptist Church in Orlando--another pillar of the local community--opening its doors to the LGBT community, welcoming them and their families, and holding services there. The terrorist would have hated to see Floridians from all across the State bringing food and water to support victims, families, and first responders. There were unending lines to donate blood. There were memorial services around the State. There was a sense that there was something greater than any one person worth sacrificing for; there was a sense of community, fellowship, and solidarity. This is the America I know and love, and it is our country at its best.

Sunday will be a day for reflection, for remembering those who lost their lives to an evil, hateful ideology. It will also be a day to acknowledge the tremendous impact their families and the survivors have had, not only on their community and State, but on our Nation.

And while the fight against evil and hate continues, we can and should take inspiration from their strength.

Madam President, nearly 6 years ago, our State, Nation, the city of Orlando, and Hispanic and LGBTQ communities were attacked. Forty-nine innocent and beautiful lives were lost. It was an evil and hateful act, an act of terrorism designed to divide us as a nation and strike fear in our hearts and minds. But, instead, we came together, we supported each other, and we persevered. We have proved to the world what we in Florida already knew: Floridians are resilient.

The days I spent in Orlando following the shooting will always be with me. I talked to parents who lost their children. I went to funerals and wakes. I sat in hospital rooms. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It was heartbreaking. But in this horribly dark time, the selfless courage of so many--from community members to law enforcement, to healthcare workers--provided a sense of hope. This incredible strength, love, and bravery lifted up Orlando and the State of Florida and helped us begin to rebuild.

This week, on the sixth anniversary of this devastating tragedy, the State of Florida comes together to honor the lives lost too soon, and we vow to always stand up and fight against evil and hatred in this world.

I was proud that last year Congress passed and the President signed into law legislation I introduced with Senator Rubio and Senator Padilla to designate the location of the Pulse nightclub in Orlando as the National Pulse Memorial, which will honor the memory of those we lost.

Today, I am requesting all my colleagues to join Senator Rubio and me to pass a resolution honoring the memory of the 49 lives lost during the heinous attack at the Pulse nightclub. Let's come together now to say that our Nation will always stand against hate and evil in this world.

As if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 663, submitted earlier today.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.