In a speech that veered from legislative triumph to personal tragedy, Senator Katie Britt took to the Senate floor Wednesday to address a nation grappling with both hope and heartbreak.
She celebrated a bipartisan victory on child care reforms, then pivoted to share the harrowing story of an Alabama shark attack survivor, before concluding with a somber tribute to the victims of the deadly flash floods in Texas.
She began with a note of satisfaction.
“I’m thrilled that child care was addressed in the bill we passed last week,” Britt said. “It’s been a burden for working families across this country.”
The new provision, which increases support for parents in the workforce, came after what she described as months of collaboration. Britt credited Senator Tim Kaine and staffers from both offices, noting how the groundwork had been laid well before the final vote.
Britt then shifted to a more emotional subject.
Britt painted a harrowing picture of Lulu Gribbon, a teenager who lost both an arm and a leg in a shark attack at just 15. “She lost two-thirds of her blood,” Britt told the Senate, stressing that it was a miracle she survived.
From that brink of death, however, has come an astonishing recovery. Britt described how the young woman is now not only driving, but also surfing and slalom skiing—a powerful testament to her spirit.
“She didn’t just survive — she’s thriving,” Britt said.
Inspired by Lulu’s experience, Britt introduced Lulu’s Law, which would allow authorities to use wireless emergency alerts to warn the public after a shark attack. The Senate passed the bill unanimously.
The idea came from a simple observation: 90 minutes before Lulu’s incident, another woman was attacked nearby.
“If there had been an alert system, Lulu might not have been in the water,” Britt said.
The legislation empowers local, state, tribal, and federal officials to issue alerts immediately after an attack. Britt thanked a bipartisan group of lawmakers for supporting the effort and called on the House to move quickly so it can reach the president’s desk.
She paused, then turned to another deeply personal moment — the flood in Kerrville, Texas.
Over 700 girls were at Camp Misk when the flooding began. The camp had just completed its first week.
Britt mourned the life of 8-year-old Sarah Marsh, an Alabama girl who died in the flood.
“Her favorite color was blue,” she said quietly. “She would have been a third grader this fall.”
Quoting Sarah’s family, Britt shared a line from their statement: “This tragedy that no parent can prepare for, and it will never be right this side of heaven.”
The senator also named the Santana family from Mobile, Alabama, who had been camping on the river during the July 4th weekend.
Three family members — Eddie, Elena, and granddaughter Mila Rose — remain missing.
Camille, Eddie’s wife and Mila Rose’s mother, was found deceased.
“This flood has triggered one of the largest search and rescue operations in Texas history,” Britt said. Over 1,700 first responders and volunteers have joined the effort.
She thanked them for their courage.
“To those risking their lives in these rescue operations — your country sees you. We are grateful,” she said.
Britt ended her speech with a plea to the public and her colleagues.
“These memories, these lives, they shouldn’t fade,” she said. “Not just in Kerr County. Not just at Camp Misk. But across our nation.”
