Political Quotes

“I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Buck, for his leadership on this important issue, and I rise in strong support. Mr. Speaker, my great-uncle, Phil Fitzpatrick, was a proud patrolman with the NYPD. He was also a poet, often referring to police officers as soldiers of peace. This week, as we recognize Police Week 2017, I find myself thinking of him and a line from one of his poems, where he wrote: ``When he kisses his wife and children goodbye, there's the chance he will see them no more.'' Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, these words were true for my family. This month marks 70 years since my great-uncle was shot while attempting to disarm a robber in a Manhattan bar, a fatal injury he succumbed to days later. Mr. Speaker, for too long, law enforcement across this country has been forgotten or, worse yet, ostracized. At the same time, their vital mission continues, and it continues to grow more dangerous. Just last year, ambush-style killings of law enforcement officers increased by 167 percent, according to the National Association of Police Organizations. Despite all this, each day, tens of thousands of brave women and men continue to put their lives on the line to serve and protect our communities. This week, we recognize Police Week 2017, but the dedication and sacrifice of our blue line deserves to be respected every day. As a former law enforcement officer, I am proud to stand here today in support of those brave women and men.…”