HONORING THE LIVES OF THE HORTMAN FAMILY

On 2026-02-24, Representative Kelly Morrison (D-MN-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIVES OF THE HORTMAN FAMILY" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered gun policy, taxes.

HONORING THE LIVES OF THE HORTMAN FAMILY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)] [House] [Page H2267] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIVES OF THE HORTMAN FAMILY (Ms. Morrison of Minnesota was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. MORRISON. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a resolution honoring the lives of Minnesota State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who we lost to an unspeakable act of political violence last year. Last week, the Minnesota House of Representatives convened for the first time in more than 20 years without Melissa's presence. This resolution is a celebration of Melissa's and Mark's lives and a commemoration of the legacy that they left behind. Whereas, Melissa Hortman served her community and the State of Minnesota with humility, compassion, and perseverance; Whereas, Mark Hortman was outgoing, caring, and genuine; a skilled professional; and deeply devoted to his family; Whereas, when a politically motivated gunman took the life of Melissa Hortman, Minnesota lost a tireless public servant whose accomplishments distinguished her as one of the most consequential speakers in the history of the Minnesota House of Representatives; Whereas, Hortman was a mother of two children, Colin and Sophie, and wife to husband Mark Hortman, who was killed alongside her; Whereas, Melissa Hortman was a lifelong Minnesotan who was born, raised, and lived most of her life in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis; Whereas, Mark Hortman was born and raised in North Carolina, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and lived in Minnesota for over 30 years; Whereas, Melissa and Mark Hortman met while applying to be mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program and were brought together through their shared devotion to serving others; Whereas, Melissa Hortman was a lifelong learner who graduated from Blaine High School, Boston University, and the University of Minnesota Law School, then returned to school later in life to receive a master's in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School; Whereas, Hortman was a devoted public servant who spent her life helping others, teaching Sunday school, serving as a Girl Scout leader, and training service dogs for veterans; Whereas, one of Hortman's greatest loves was her family's golden retriever, Gilbert, who was adopted by the Hortmans after being deemed too friendly to be a service dog; Whereas, Hortman began her career in public service as a lawyer suing discriminatory landlords, reaching a record-setting verdict in a housing discrimination lawsuit; Whereas, Hortman demonstrated strength of character and perseverance in her determination to serve her community when she was victorious in her third run for the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004; Whereas, Hortman went on to win reelection 10 consecutive times from 2006 to 2024 and was elected by her colleagues as minority leader in 2017 and speaker of the house in 2019; Whereas, Hortman was the longest serving female speaker in Minnesota State history; Whereas, Hortman was passionate about preventing gun violence, protecting reproductive healthcare, and leaving behind a better world for future generations by addressing climate change through investments in renewable energy; Whereas, Hortman was proud to author Minnesota's solar standard and community solar law; Whereas, Hortman led with humor and a calm and steady demeanor, emphasizing the importance of conversation and listening to one another and rejecting the idea that our political differences should prevent us from working together; Whereas, Hortman respected and looked out for all members of her caucus, recognizing their duty to serve each of their unique constituencies while also holding them together to deliver for all Minnesotans one of the most productive legislative sessions in Minnesota's history; Whereas, Hortman will be remembered for the crucial role she played in enacting legislation that allows Minnesotans to take time to care for their loved ones, ensures no student goes hungry, guarantees that every woman has the right to bodily autonomy, and upholds our democracy by protecting free and fair elections; Whereas, Hortman led with humility and was quick to deflect recognition, allowing others to take the spotlight; Whereas, Hortman recognized that true leaders do not bully and coerce; they listen and sacrifice, compromise while remaining true to their convictions, and inspire others to share in their vision of a better future; and Whereas, this is a moment of mourning a great giant among Minnesota lawmakers; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the House of Representatives honors the life of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman for her devotion and service to the people of Minnesota; honors the life of Mark Hortman for his devotion to his family and service to his community; honors the life of Gilbert Hortman for his devotion to Melissa, treats, and lying in the snow; honors the leadership of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who led with kindness and compassion, passion and pragmatism, and conviction and respect; and honors the legacy of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman for her exemplary record in working through political differences through civil discourse and a shared desire to make Minnesota and her country a better place for the next generation. ____________________