Today, I introduced a resolution strongly condemning the terror attack on IRS employees, recognizing Vernon Hunter, who was killed in the attack, and saluting the service of those first responders and employees who kept this event from becoming an even larger tragedy.

During my speech, I discussed the Facebook page opened in tribute to the attacker and the comments on the web and elsewhere that characterized his violence "heroic." Let us be clear: There is nothing noble about this terror. Any expression to the contrary deserves our condemnation. Like the larger-scale tragedy in Oklahoma City, this was a cowardly act of domestic terrorism.

We must turn the volume down on hate. In our country there is room for wide political discourse and vigorous disagreement. Our democracy thrives on it. But there is no room for violence or the dangerous incitement to violence. Change will come through ballot boxes, not bullets. Let us speak with a strong, unequivocal voice renouncing this attack. We reject the path of hate; and we reject the call to violence.

To see a video of Congressman Doggett's remarks on the floor on the need to reject the path of hate and the call to violence, please click here. To see a video of Congressman Doggett's opening remarks, please click here.