[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING POLICE OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

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                          HON. JAY W. JOHNSON

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 1998

  Mr. JOHNSON of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
pride and respect for our brave law enforcement officials during 
National Police Week. I regret, however, that this body has not been 
afforded the chance to truly honor fallen police officers, as they 
would under my legislation, H. Con. Res 47. Unfortunately, my bill was 
not included on yesterday's suspension calendar of votes.
  The bill that Congress voted on and passed yesterday remembers the 
sacrifices of police officers. I do not intend to demean its purpose. 
It is a worthy bill with honest sentiment. However, by denying the 
members in this chamber the ability to also vote on H. Con. Res 47, the 
leadership has failed to do all they can to honor police officers 
killed in the line of duty.
  Under my bill, whenever a police officer is killed in the line of 
duty, a special U.S. Flag flown over the Capitol Building would be 
lowered to half-staff and then given to the family of the officer after 
it is flown. Currently, a flag is flown at half-staff only once a year 
to honor Police Officers Memorial Day. More than just words, this 
measure would entrust our nation's most powerful symbol, our flag, to 
remind Americans on a daily basis of the bravery and sacrifices of this 
nation's law enforcement officers.
  This flag flown at half-staff over the Capitol would send a signal to 
Congress, to all of Washington and the entire nation that our brave law 
enforcement officers deserve our highest respect. The cold reality is 
that every 57 hours, an officer will die in the line of duty in this 
country. When we lose a police officer in the line of duty, we have 
lost a hero.
  My bill has been endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, 
the National Association of Chiefs of Police, and the International 
Union of Police Associations.
  We must do all we can to protect and honor the police officers who 
risk their lives for the safety of our communities. When decision-
makers in Washington see this constant reminder of the bravery of law 
enforcement officers, it will strengthen their support for the men and 
women who fight crime across America. I would hope that this Congress 
will seize the occasion of Police Memorial Day to enact H. Con. Res 47, 
important legislation to honor fallen officers with a U.S. Flag at the 
U.S. Capitol dedicated to their service.

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