DeLauro Statement on Presidential Citizens Medal Ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-D) issued thefollowing statement today after attending the Presidential Citizens MedalCeremony. The six Sandy Hook Elementary School educators who were killed inDecember, including DeLauro's constituent Victoria Soto, were posthumouslyawarded the medal. Soto's brother Carlos was DeLauro's guest at the State ofthe Union earlier this week.

"I am honored to have witnessed such a beautiful ceremonythat celebrated the courage and commitment that the six women killed at SandyHook showed to their students that fateful day. And it was great to see theSotos, and other Newtown families, who have shown such grace and bravery inspeaking out during their time of immense pain. Though there are no words thatcan ease the families' suffering, I hope they can take some small comfort inthe knowledge that they will always be remembered as heroes.

"As the President so eloquently said, ‘they expected a daylike any other. They had no idea evil was about to strike. They gave theirlives to protect the precious children in their care.' Congress must followtheir courage and not delay action to ensure the safety of our children."