Pat Ryan: “I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this week, May 9 to May 15, is National Police Week. I…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this week, May 9 to May 15, is National Police Week. I stand today to join with my colleagues in carrying forth a tradition that started 59 years ago. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed, and Congress ratified, May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls is National Police Week. During this time, we pause to recognize those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Those of us here in Congress know well the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers, for we saw it firsthand on January 6 when they protected this citadel of democracy and the public servants who were discharging their duty. Some of those brave souls paid with their lives, such as Officer Brian Sicknick. We also lost Officer Howard Liebengood and Officer Jeffrey Smith, who died by suicide in the immediate aftermath of that tragic day. Many more police officers who were on duty that day are still hurting. Of course, all across our Nation, and in Ohio particularly, our police officers and their families have sacrificed themselves for their communities. I have done ride-alongs with these officers and watched them deal with the overdose issues and the opiate epidemic in Ohio. We watch them risk their lives. We pray for their families who worry every time they put on their boots and go to work. In short, Mr.…”