Steny Hoyer: “the operative clause of this resolution says simply that ``the House of Representatives honors and thanks the United…”

“the operative clause of this resolution says simply that ``the House of Representatives honors and thanks the United States Capitol Police for their outstanding work and dedication during a period of heightened security that began on September 11, 2001.'' I trust that all members will support this honor for the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police. They have certainly earned it. They continue to earn it at this hour, mere steps from this spot and all around Capitol Hill. Congress established the Capitol Police during the administration of John Quincy Adams. Ponder how different the world was then, and how different the job of providing security for the Capitol would have been then. In the last 173 years, the world has changed immeasurably, and so has the work of the Capitol Police. In modern times, the police have had to cope with emergencies, bombings and shootings, including the tragic 1998 murders of officer J.J. Chestnut and Detective John Gibson, that remain so painfully fresh in our memories. After that tragic event, Congress properly heightened Capitol security, adopting a posture that requires considerable additional manpower. Recent events have obviously underscored the need for more officers and greater security. Fortunately, additional resources are in the pipeline.…”