On the recordMay 16, 2013
As many of you know, this is National Police Week. Law enforcement officers throughout our country are gathered here in our Nation's Capital to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. As a former sheriff and police officer, I couldn't be more proud to be part of this family. Unfortunately, last year, we lost 120 brave men and women, and this year we've already lost 41. When tragedy strikes, as it recently did in Boston, we're reminded of these officers' selfless courage. Yet we often forget that these men and women are at risk every time they report for duty. Every time they kiss a loved one good-bye, they never know if it's going to be for the last time. Day in and day out, they put their lives on the line to keep us--our communities, our towns, and our cities--safe. For this, we owe them a debt of gratitude. So in honor of these law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe, may we please have a moment of silence. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members will rise and the House will observe a moment of silence. ____________________
