On the recordOctober 27, 2021
I am very glad that we are able to come together, recognizing that our law enforcement officers face dangers every day. When I look to the support for that community, I really look to the family of citizens, the family of the community, no matter where you are, and I think that should be the statement and the litmus test. When you speak to community persons who generally go about their daily business, and local governments, you can be assured that there is an embodiment of support. There is the sense of horror when we see circumstances that tragically hit this very Congress, this very House, on January 6, when that was not how brave law enforcement officers were treated. But we are well aware of the everyday work that is done. Before I left to come to Washington, I had the tragic duty of going to the funeral of a fallen. What an amazing individual that Deputy Atkins was, and the outpouring of love and affection by the community reflected that. To show the humanity of officers--they have moms and dads and wives and children--they read a letter from his mother. I just simply want to put this letter in from his mother. ``When I last saw you, before you said good-bye, I said the prayer I taught you, `As I lay me down to sleep.' Nadia heard me and told me you always said that prayer.'' Nadia was his wife. ``And that made me really feel good, Kareem. I love you so much and I will never stop loving you,'' the letter said.…
