[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 28, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H6503-H6508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE SACRIFICE OF JOHN MICHAEL GIBSON AND JACOB JOSEPH CHESTNUT

  (Mr. MINGE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MINGE. Mr. Speaker, this last week of July, 1998, we honor 
Officers Gibson and Chestnut. We honor them for the ultimate sacrifice 
that they have made on behalf of this country and on behalf of this 
institution.
  I join my many colleagues in all of their eloquent remarks. We 
certainly cannot be too eloquent to thank, compliment those officers 
and share with their families the bereavement of their loss.
  On behalf of the people of the State of Minnesota, I wish to extend 
our condolences.
  Finally, on behalf of the Members of this institution, I think it is 
fair to say that we recognize a renewed obligation to meet the 
challenges that we face with the same dedication that the officers who 
have given their lives met their obligation.
  I share in the comments of my colleague, the gentleman from Tennessee 
(Mr. Wamp) in the desire to see this institution work on a collegial 
basis in the months and years to come.
  Mr. GINGRICH. Mr. Speaker, the attached transcript is of my radio 
address to the nation on Saturday, July 25, 1998. During this address, 
I discussed the tragic attack at the Capitol and the courage of those 
officers who responded to this tragedy. The officers who were killed--
and all those who helped apprehend the gunman, assist the injured and 
evacuate the building--are true heroes of democracy, and every American 
owes them a deep debt of gratitude. They gave their lives to protect 
the lives of hundreds of tourists, staff, and Members of Congress. If 
not for their quick and courageous action, many innocent people would 
likely have been injured or killed. I submit the transcript to the 
Congressional Record.

[Republican response to the President's Weekly Radio Address, July 25, 
                                 1998]

       GINGRICH: Good morning. I'm Newt Gingrich, the Speaker of 
     the United States House of Representatives.
       And I want to report to you on the tragic attack on the 
     United States Capitol, your Capitol, on the professionalism 
     of the Capitol police, on the heroic actions of two fine 
     policemen who sacrificed their lives in defense of the 
     Capitol, and in their sacrifice, saved many innocent lives.
       I also want to talk briefly about their families, the 
     tragic loss they've suffered and the loss that the entire 
     Capitol Hill family has suffered.
       And finally I want to emphasize that this building is the 
     keystone of freedom, that it is open to the people because it 
     is the people's building. And that no terrorist, no deranged 
     person, no act of violence will block us from preserving our 
     freedom and from keeping this building open to people from 
     all over the world, and to every American who wants to come 
     and visit the center of their self government.
       This is the people's building. Up to 23,000 people a day 
     visit this Capitol, their Capitol, to see their government at 
     work, to stand in the shrine of freedom and teach their 
     children--and we have many, many school children who visit on 
     a regular basis.
       But those who hate or fear freedom, sometimes seek to 
     attack this Capitol and those in it precisely because they 
     symbolize America, self government, authority and the process 
     of freedom.
       The Capitol police protect the Capitol as the Secret 
     Service protects the White House. Each day thousands of 
     people enter the Capitol and are greeted by our protectors 
     and our ambassadors to the world. The thin blue line of the 
     Capitol police, both provide safety and provides information.
       Yesterday, as officer J.J. Chestnut was advising a visitor 
     how to get to the subway, a deranged man tried to force his 
     way into the Capitol. He killed Officer Chestnut and wounded 
     Angela Dickerson, a visitor to the Capitol.
       J.J. Chestnut's partner, who was getting a wheelchair to 
     help a visitor, returned the gunman's fire. As the gunman 
     fled, he ran into Whip Tom Delay's office and there exchanged 
     fire with Officer John Gibson.
       Officer Gibson, at the sacrifice of his own life, saved the 
     lives of dozens of innocent

[[Page H6504]]

     people in those offices, including Missy Jenkins, a member of 
     my staff who said to me last night very emotionally, that--
     and she had even more trouble than I am saying this to you--
     that she really felt that Officer Gibson had died literally 
     so she was alive.
       Now, forgive me for my emotions, but these two men are 
     genuine heroes. You see, they literally every day, knowingly 
     and voluntarily, put their lives on the line. They understood 
     that to be free, somebody had to be willing to take this 
     risk.
       In the case of J.J. Chestnut, a man who had served 20 years 
     as an MP in the Air Force, his wife told me last night when I 
     visited on behalf of the Congress and she said, that he was 
     so proud to serve his country--seventeen years on the Capitol 
     Police force, he was only two years away from retirement.
       And I remember because that's the door I go in and out of 
     every day, how often he would quietly but firmly insist that 
     you go through the magnetometer, that you obey the rules, 
     doing his job to protect this Capitol.
       We should remember that Officer J.J. Chestnut is still here 
     in the spirit with his wife, Gwenling. He has children--
     Joseph, Janice, Janet, Karen and William. And they remember. 
     And I think each of you wants to join us in remembering this 
     true hero.
       In addition, Officer John Gibson had become a member of Tom 
     DeLay's family. He had been assigned to protect the Majority 
     Whip and Christina DeLay told me last night that they were so 
     close. And Mrs. Gibson told me that he had enjoyed so much 
     working in that close relationship, knowing that his job was 
     to protect Tom DeLay and that he was doing something 
     important for his country.
       He responded immediately to the crisis. I was told by 
     those in the room that he promptly told everyone to get 
     down, close the doors, and he drew his gun as the gunman 
     entered and they exchanged shots.
       Officer Gibson's wife Evelyn and their three children 
     Kristin, John and Daniel have a very large hole in their 
     lives because their father, her husband, served his country.
       And yet I hope of each of them will realize that he was a 
     true hero, a hero in the deepest sense, a man who when 
     confronted with danger, moved towards it to save others when 
     he could have moved away.
       As this was happening, the Capitol police were doing their 
     job, responding immediately to the crisis, sealing off the 
     perimeter, protecting the tourists, protecting the staffs and 
     members who were around. A number of people responded and 
     made it possible both to suppress the gunman and to save 
     lives.
       Dr. Eisell, the Capitol's attending physician and his 
     staff, Dr. Bill Frist who is a Senator, had just finished 
     presiding over the U.S. Senate went immediately to the scene 
     and then went on to the emergency room.
       The Washington D.C. Emergency Medical Service, including 
     the D.C. Fire Department, MedStar at the Washington Hospital 
     Center, the George Washington Hospital, the U.S. Park Police 
     whose helicopter arrived to help save lives, the Federal 
     Bureau of Investigation and the Washington Metropolitan 
     Police Force, who promptly intervened in the investigation--
     again and again professional people did a professional job to 
     make sure that your Capitol was safe and that the visitors 
     and workers in it, were safe.
       We can all be proud of them. But we can also do more.
       We will be establishing a trust with the U.S. Capitol 
     Police for the two families, and anyone who wishes to help--
     these are families who have sacrificed for their country and 
     for freedom. And the U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund, which 
     you can reach simply by writing U.S. Capitol Police Memorial 
     Fund, Washington, D.C., will be there for those who want to 
     join and help.
       But we must do more. Each of us everyday, should recognize 
     that many people are in uniform in this country--the police, 
     the Capitol police, the Secret Service, your local police, 
     your local sheriff's office, your state police, the Border 
     Patrol, the United State military--people who get up every 
     morning and risk death because they want you to be safe. And 
     because they believe that they and their children should 
     share the freedom and the security that America has provided 
     for over 200 years. We're not going to back off.
       I want to thank the president both for his call last night, 
     for his concern, for his statement this morning, for his plan 
     to visit the families--it will mean a great deal to them.
       I want to thank each of you who has called. The tourists I 
     saw out front who are here to visit, the people who have been 
     calling in to C-Span, all the people back home who have 
     called Marianne and me. It does mean a lot to the Capitol 
     Hill family when the American family comes together.
       Let me close by asking you to join me for just a moment in 
     prayer.
       Dear God, please watch out over the Chestnut family and the 
     Gibson family. Help them in their time of grief. Help them to 
     come to understand, to be comforted by the love and the 
     thanks of many, many grateful people. Help them to remember 
     the heroes who they sacrificed for their country.
       Please take to your bosom, Officer J.J. Chestnut, and 
     Officer John Gibson. Please watch over all of us and watch 
     over all who defend and protect us and keep us safe.
       Please help this country learn to live with its freedom. 
     Please help those who are troubled learn to live peaceful 
     with their problems. Please help each of us as we strive to 
     do our duty and to reach out to each other in this American 
     family.
       Please forgive us our sins, and bless America and the 
     American people. Amen.
       Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.

  Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of southwest Florida, 
I would like to offer not only our deepest sympathy to the families of 
Officers Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, but also our greatest 
admiration for the total professionalism and full sacrifice these men 
gave to protect the People's House and its visitors. Officer Chestnut 
and Officer Gibson truly understood exactly what the U.S. Capitol 
Building represents to the people of this country and to people 
everywhere. With honor and courage they stood their ground for the 
world to see.
  Early one morning a while ago, as I neared the Capitol, I watched 
some visiting foreign tourists with tears of joy kiss the Capitol 
steps; to them this great building meant freedom and democracy. Now our 
friends, Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, join so many other Americans 
paying unhesitatingly with their lives to defend us and our freedom.
  And without question in this needless tragedy, they did save the 
lives of citizens, visitors, staff, and Members.
  I also would like to thank and praise their fellow Capitol Police 
officers who dedicate their lives to defending our freedom. Their 
bravery and professionalism does not go unnoticed nor unappreciated. 
Their conduct in containing this tragedy and coping with its aftermath 
has been exemplary.
  It really is ``family'' up here on Capitol Hill. We all have our own 
memories and associations of Officer J.J. Chestnut and Detective John 
Gibson. J.J. pulled weekend guard duty on occasion for the House 
Intelligence Committee and served those of us on that committee well 
and faithfully. John was true family to Joe Moakley, our distinguished 
former chairman and current ranking member on the Rules Committee. He 
was also a regular feature in the workings of our whip chores as deputy 
whips under Tom Delay.
  Other Members had other contacts with these officers but we are all 
of one mind in knowing J.J. and John will be missed--that we are 
deepful grateful for their lives and fiercely proud of their work and 
that, above all, all our sympathy and love go out to their families in 
a way that seeks to share the burden of their losses.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today 
to pay tribute to two American heroes who have lived, worked, and now 
died in our midst. John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut eptimized the very 
finest in the tradition of public service and law enforcement.
  Every day as we arrive at work and as we move about the Capitol Hill 
complex, we are greeted and protected by members of the Capitol Police 
force. They are not only our protectors, they are also an integral part 
of the Capitol Hill ``family.'' We exchange stories of children and 
grandchildren, the news of the day, and the joys and pains of everyday 
life. They are our friends--indeed a part of our extended family.
  It is easy to forget that their profession is a dangerous, life-
threatening one. Seemingly endless hours of uneventful duty can be 
broken, without warning, by violent events.
  Last Friday, Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut answered the call 
to duty, and paid the ultimate sacrifice in performing their duty. 
Their presence and their actions saved countless lives of innocent 
people caught in the crossfire.
  Mr. Speaker, it is completely right and fitting that we take this day 
to honor and remember the lives of John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut. They 
served their country with dignity, they performed their duty with 
integrity, and they gave their lives in the defense of our Capitol and 
our democracy. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.
  Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that 
I would like to pay tribute to Officers Jacob Joseph (J.J.) Chestnut 
and John Michael Gibson of the United States Capitol Police and extend 
my condolences to their families and colleagues. This is a solemn duty 
that I undertake on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people who 
live in the sixth district of Maryland and elected me to represent them 
in the 105th Congress of the United States of America.
  John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut were exemplary members of the thin 
blue line of the United States Capitol Police. The men and women in 
this law enforcement force protect and defend the most important symbol 
of our representative democracy, the magnificent Capitol building. 
Their joyful but anonymous and humble service touches and enriches the 
lives of thousands of their fellow Americans and visitors who work in 
or visit the Capitol on a daily basis. They serve and protect millions 
of us.
  The excellence, quiet dignity, and anonymity that were the hallmarks 
of the careers of Officers Chestnut and Gibson was swept away in

[[Page H6505]]

a matter of seconds by a violent attack. The fury may have been 
directed by madness, but it is clear that this deliberately deadly 
attack was unleashed upon the Capitol because this building is open to 
everyone and is the most central and sacred symbol of our 
democratically elected government. Moreover, it is clear that members 
of the Capitol Police were the special and first targets of this 
assault.
  I don't believe as human beings we will ever be able to understand 
why it was the fate of Officers Gibson and Chestnut to be called upon 
to face the fire that was unleashed during those moments of utter 
chaos. Officers Chestnut and Gibson instantly stepped into that awful 
breach. Without hesitation, they swiftly ended that attack and 
protected the lives of hundreds of others by willingly sacrificing 
their own lives.
  It is fitting and proper, I believe it is our duty to honor their 
bravery and the courage of their sacrifice. Words are inadequate to 
express how grateful we as a nation are today to John Gibson and Jacob 
Chestnut. I believe President Abraham Lincoln perhaps said it best when 
he honored the fallen heroes at Gettysburg for ``offering the last full 
measure of devotion'' to preserving and protecting the cause of freedom 
and ``government of, by, and for the people.'' Words are inadequate to 
express the condolences we as a nation pay to the Gibson and Chestnut 
families and to the members of the Capitol Police on the loss of their 
loved ones. We cannot erase their grief. We can only offer this small 
tribute to comfort them.
  As a living tribute to the memories of Jacob Chestnut and John 
Gibson, I hope the Capitol will continue to remain open and accessible 
under the unsurpassed protection of our thin blue line, the United 
States Capitol Police. Our democratically elected government was 
attacked, but the thin blue line was not breached. The line held. Our 
freedom and liberty have been secured once more by the terrible and 
brave sacrifice of two good men.
  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, this week, our Nation mourns the deaths of 
Capitol Hill policemen John Michael Gibson and J.J. Chestnut. In the 
aftermath of the shooting in the Capitol, as Members of Congress 
reflect on whether this event was avoidable, we must take 
responsibility for this and other acts of violence attributable to the 
mentally ill. The Capitol shooting was all too familiar an occurrence, 
a scene that has been played out in our schools, on our streets, our 
subways, and in homes throughout America.
  The movement in the 1970's and 1980's to deinstitutionalize persons 
with mental disorders was not an unqualified success. It's time that we 
admit that closing the institutions did not negate the need for further 
care; the mentally ill still need consistent treatment and many of them 
are not getting it.
  Two to three percent of the population experience severe mental 
disorders. Many more suffer from milder forms of mental illness. In 
almost every town, we see people on the street whose illness precludes 
them from working or connecting with other people in a meaningful way. 
Many of them could be helped with medication and therapy, but only if 
they had access to care.
  We must provide that care. We can and must prevent future unnecessary 
violence so that other families do not have to endure what the Gibson 
and Chestnut families go through today.
  Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I sadly join my many colleagues 
who have taken the floor to mourn the loss of Detective John Gibson and 
Officer J.J. Chestnut. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to their 
families and my thanks and appreciation, and that of the people I 
represent in Nebraska, for the ultimate sacrifice they have suffered.
  The men and women who serve on the United States Capitol Police force 
guard our Capitol. They protect the people who serve and work here and 
the millions of visitors each year from across the country and around 
the world. They stand guard for the principles on which the nation was 
founded and which make this Capitol building such an attraction and 
source of price. We pass them everyday as we enter and leave the 
Capitol and House and Senate office buildings, as we walk the hallways, 
and as we go about our business in our offices and committee rooms.
  And until Friday, July 24, it had been all too easy to forget they 
came to work each day ready and willing to put their lives on the line 
for their job and their country. It will be a very, very long time 
before any of us again pass a Capitol Police officer and not remember 
John and J.J. and that they all put at risk their lives everyday.
  Over the past two days, as Members have taken the floor to pay 
tribute to our two fallen heroes, there have been wonderful stories 
about both men. A story I'd like to share with my colleagues comes from 
one of my constituents, a farmer, from a town with a population of only 
1,900 in the Nebraska Panhandle. The story speaks to how a dedicated 
man, who would be the first to say he was just doing his job, makes an 
impact and leaves behind a legacy.
  Bob Busch, from Mitchell, Nebraska, first met Officer J.J. Chestnut 
in 1988. It was Bob's first trip to Washington, DC. Bob and a fellow 
Nebraskan were attending a meeting and reception in the Hart Senate 
Office Building. Neither of them had ever been inside the Capitol. On 
the way out of the reception, they asked how best to see the Capitol. 
They were told to go to a certain door at the Capitol and ask for 
Officer Chestnut.
  At the door, Officer Chestnut answered their query and, even though 
it was late, offered to take them on a tour of the Capitol himself. 
That was the beginning of quite an evening--a complete behind-the-
scenes tour of the Capitol--and a new friendship. Bob got to see things 
I'm not sure I've ever seen. Since that first tour in 1988, Bob has 
taken the time to seek out Officer Chestnut each time he's been in 
Washington. In 1995, he introduced his wife to J.J.
  In addition to the tour, Bob and Officer Chestnut shared a love for 
this earth. Officer Chestnut was an avid gardener. Bob is a sugarbeet 
farmer. Bob recounted to me how Officer Chestnut was always interested 
in farming and how his operation was doing. Bob said Officer Chestnut 
had a real kinship with farmers. Bob called my office upon hearing that 
Officer Chestnut had lost his life in the line of duty. He said how 
much he admired Officer Chestnut, how personable he was, so tall and so 
proud, such a fine man who did his job.
  Like all of us, Bob and his wife are grieving for Officer Chestnut 
and his family. And as we all know, there are countless stories similar 
to Bob's about both John and J.J. They touched many lives, and did so 
in a manner that can only make their families proud knowing that it is 
not just their Capitol Hill family grieving, but that they have the 
sympathy and gratitude of people across the nation.
  Nothing can ease their pain or lessen their loss, but an excerpt from 
a poem has always given me comfort:

     The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the 
           land,
     The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains,
     And reminds us that for every joy that passes, something 
           beautiful remains. May the memories that remain bring 
           you comfort and keep your loved one close at heart.

  Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Second Congressional 
District of Alabama, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families 
of Special Agent John Gibson and First Sergeant Jacob Chestnut. The 
heroism that these two men displayed in protecting the people's House 
cannot be overstated. They gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the 
freedom's we Americans enjoy in our free and open society. The 
following editorial ran in today's Montgomery Advertiser reminds us 
that freedom is not free.

                           Freedom Isn't Free


                     officers gave lives for public

       Two men gave their lives Friday to once again prove what 
     U.S. history has shown time and again--freedom isn't free.
       When a gunman opened fire at the U.S. Capitol, two Capitol 
     police officers, Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, were killed.
       They died while protecting the occupants of the Capitol and 
     the public, which is in itself a noble sacrifice. But they 
     also died protecting the public's freedom of access to its 
     government, something U.S. citizens may enjoy to a greater 
     extent than citizens of any other nation.
       That is an essential freedom in a democratic nation. We 
     suspect Officers Chestnut and Gibson were well aware of that. 
     It makes their sacrifice all the more noble.
       These officers deserve all the praise and honor a grateful 
     nation can bestow upon them. But we doubt that any would have 
     pleased them more than the reopening of the U.S. Capitol to 
     citizens on Saturday.
       It is only common sense for government authorities to 
     review security measures at the Capitol and to take whatever 
     reasonable steps are necessary to close breaches in that 
     security.
       But care needs to be taken that nothing is done to 
     significantly limit the public's access to ``America's 
     house.'' If authorities overreact and make it difficult for 
     the public to gain ready access to the halls of Congress, it 
     would amount to capitulation to whatever insanity prompted 
     this despicable act.
       There were a lot of heroes Friday. Among them was U.S. Sen. 
     Bill Frist of Tennessee, a heart surgeon who helped treat the 
     injured. There were scores of tales of adults--parents and 
     strangers--who used their bodies to shield children. There 
     was also the quiet dignity of Sgt. Dan Nichols, who 
     noticeably struggled to hold his emotions in check while ably 
     serving as spokesman for the Capitol police.
       But at the head of the list of heroes are Officers Chestnut 
     and Gibson. They, like so many others before them, paid the 
     ultimate price of freedom.

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, last Friday, July 24, 1998, is a day that 
none of us will ever forget for many reasons, but mostly for the 
heroism displayed by Officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Special Agent John 
M. Gibson.

[[Page H6506]]

Mere words cannot express our gratitude for their actions, our grief 
for their fates or our sorrow for their families.
  To the families of Officer Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson, we 
offer our most heartfelt condolences and pray that God provides comfort 
and assurance to you in your time of need.
  When the House of Representatives is in session, we enter this 
building many times a day. Usually, we offer a nod or an off-hand 
comment to the officers at the entrance and they respond in kind. 
Sometimes, we are in a rush or preoccupied and may not say anything. 
But it must be made clear that we appreciate the work these officers 
do.
  So, to all of the officers of the Capitol Police force, all I can say 
is ``Thank You.'' It's only a two-word phrase, but it means so much. 
You are not taken for granted. Our prayers are with you and for your 
continued safety.
  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reiterate the special and 
heartfelt sentiments that many of my colleagues have been making during 
the past several days. Last Friday, July 24, 1998, United States 
Capitol Police Officers John Gibson and J.J. Chestnut payed the 
ultimate sacrifice defending our nation's Capitol. In a tragic moment, 
these two brave and courageous men gave their lives to defend and 
protect the safety and dignity of the United States Capitol.
  Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, although slain in a tragic 
moment, embody the very spirit that is the United States Capitol Police 
Force. Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, without a second thought, 
put themselves in harms way to protect the lives of others. These men 
approached their jobs each day with the highest commitment, dedication, 
and honor. The brave men and their colleagues put their lives on the 
line each day knowing that the perils of danger may be just around the 
corner. But, without high praise or recognition, they do their jobs 
with incredible grace and extraordinary professionalism.
  Although we, in the Capitol Hill family, have lost two close members, 
this institution and the freedom and democracy for which it stands will 
continue for those of us who work here and for the millions and 
millions of visitors who join us here each year. From the heroic 
efforts of Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, the world will 
continue to look to the United States and the United States Capitol as 
the true symbol of freedom, liberty, and perseverance.
  Mr. Speaker, for myself and my family, my staff, and the people of 
the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I rise to pay this most 
honorable tribute to Detective John Gibson and Officer J.J. Chestnut. 
To their families, friends, and colleagues, please know that their 
legacy of unwavering loyalty and supreme dedication will forever live 
in the hearts and minds of those who pass through these halls. On 
behalf of a grateful nation, we are eternally indebted. Our hearts and 
prayers are with you. God Bless you.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the two 
Capitol Police Officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. 
Officer Jacob (J.J.) Chestnut and Officer John Gibson died protecting 
the freedoms of our nation. For that we owe them a debt of gratitude. 
The tragedy that transpired last Friday has shaken this nation. We will 
continue to mourn the loss of these two fine officers.
  Officers Gibson and Chestnut died heroes. Because of them no visitors 
to this institution lost their lives. Because of Officers Chestnut and 
Gibson this Capitol Building remains open and safe. Officers Gibson and 
Chestnut gave the ultimate sacrifice. They remind us that our freedom 
can come at a personal cost. Let us be clear, they did not die in vain. 
Officers Gibson and Chestnut will forever be remembered for bravely 
defending the Capitol.
  As a former law enforcement officer, I am especially saddened when a 
fellow officer's life is taken in an act of violence. I would like to 
express my sincere condolences to the families of Officers Jake (J.J.) 
Chestnut and John Gibson. Officer Gibson and Officer Chestnut will be 
missed.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, today is a sad day in the United States 
Capitol. The murder of two U.S. Capitol Policemen last Friday was a 
tragedy that words cannot convey. As legislators in the U.S. Congress, 
we are committed to making laws to protect the people and create a more 
peaceful society for all Americans. Today we gather in this Chamber to 
recognize the supreme sacrifice that those who are sworn to protect 
this institution may be called upon to make.
  Officer Jacob Chestnut and Special Agent John Gibson are heroes who 
gave their lives to protect this institution. I join my colleagues in 
saluting these fallen officers--history will forever record the last 
acts of heroism to two of the Capitol's Finest.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Officer Chestnut and 
Agent Gibson. May time ease the burden of their loss and bring peace 
and understanding to all who have shared the sorrow of their untimely 
passing.
  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
expressing my deepest sympathies to the families of Officer Jacob 
Chestnut and Special Agent John Gibson. I would like to also extend my 
sincere regrets to the members of the United States Capitol Police who 
have also lost two members of their family.
  It is at times like this that we are reminded of the inadequacy of 
our language. How do we properly express our regret and sorrow to the 
wives of Officer Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson at the loss of their 
husbands? How do we share with their children the appreciation we feel 
for the valor displayed by their fathers? How do we share with the 
other officers of the Capitol Police our thanks and admiration at the 
bravery displayed by Officer Chestnut, Special Agent Gibson and their 
fellow officers for risking and giving their lives so others might 
live? Thank you, I'm sorry, brave, hero--all words that pale in the 
face of the loss of a husband, father, colleague, friend.
  It has been said often in the last several days that freedom is not 
free. Since before the founding of our Nation, men and women have been 
willing to stand up and give their lives for their country and their 
countrymen. Often, this price has been paid on the fields of battle in 
distant places. We should not, however, diminish the price paid by 
these two men solely because they gave their lives here at home. The 
heroes of the past gave their lives in the defense of democracy. 
Special Agent Gibson and Officer Chestnut gave their lives in defense 
of democracy's house.
  We are told that Officer Chestnut loved to work in his garden and 
share the fruits of his labor with his friends and colleagues here on 
the Hill. I know the struggles and rewards of gardening. The 
frustration when a promising spring becomes a parched summer. The 
satisfaction that comes with a plentiful harvest. We are also told that 
Special Agent Gibson was a Red Sox fan. Sooner or later every Sox fan 
comes to know the age-old frustration of a promising season that 
disappears as July becomes August. And sooner or later, every Sox fan 
learns to take satisfaction in the hope that the Sox will make it next 
year for sure.
  Today, the Nation will have the opportunity to pay their respects and 
express their sorrow and thanks. As we move on, we must not forget 
these two officers and their families. We must also remember those 
members of our Capitol Police--our own thin blue line--and the 
thousands of men and women all over our Nation who are willing to place 
themselves between their fellow citizens and danger.
  Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues in expressing 
my deep grief over the tragic loss of Officer Jacob Chestnut and 
Officer John Gibson who were lost last Friday in the line of duty. I 
know that the men and women of Ohio's 7th Congressional District share 
our grief and I know their thoughts and prayers, as are mine, are with 
the families and friends of these two officers.
  I honor the long service of these two officers who died bravely while 
protecting our Nation's Capitol. Law enforcement is one of the highest 
forms of public service, and today we are reminded of our deep debt to 
those individuals who daily risk their lives to protect the public's 
safety.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Capitol Hill 
community and our country suffered a personal loss of two fine Capitol 
Police officers on Friday, July 24, 1998. On that afternoon, a lone 
gunman invaded the People's House and put many visitors, staffers and 
Members of Congress in danger and peril. If it were not for the 
sacrifices of Special Agent John Gibson and Officer Jacob ``J.J.'' 
Chestnut, we would be mourning the passing of other human beings on 
this day.
  On behalf of the constituents of the 30th Congressional District, I 
would like to extend my personal condolences to the families and 
friends of Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut. While we take for 
granted the fact that such tragic incidents can happen to us, we must 
not take for granted the lives of those two Capitol Police officers who 
gave their lives so that we may live.
  Mr. Speaker, the spirit and dedication of those officers will live on 
and truly embody what this place means. Our Capitol symbolizes service, 
duty and honor. Both the life and death of those officers were examples 
of those qualities. It is because of their duty and service, our work 
can go on. Indeed, it must. We cannot let an individual who is 
distrustful of our Government to allow our democracy to cease. Officers 
Gibson and Chestnut would not want our business to stop because of real 
or perceived threats to our system. Officers Gibson and Chestnut would 
not want us to cower and hide in fear of any group or individual who 
would seek to disrupt the proceedings of our Government in such violent 
methods.
  One of the best tributes to those officers would be for all of us, 
staffers and Members, to be just as dedicated to service and duty as 
Officers Gibson and Chestnut were. I believe

[[Page H6507]]

that this will be the finest remembrance that we can offer.
  Mr. Speaker, after the brief moments of chaos and tragedy, I received 
many calls from worried family members and friends inquiring about my 
whereabouts and safety at that moment. If not for the service of 
Officers Gibson and Chestnut, and the entire Capitol Police Force, I 
may not have been in the arms of safety, telling my family and friends 
that I was safe. We literally owe our lives to our two fallen officers, 
our friends whose heroism protected many others from harm and possible 
death.
  Mr. Speaker, along with my condolences, I offer the families and 
friends of Officers Gibson and Chestnut my prayers and ask that our 
Lord give them the strength to deal with such a terrible tragedy. Most 
importantly, I would like to give Officers Gibson and Chestnut my 
gratitude. It was once said that, ``gratitude is the memory of the 
heart.'' Therefore, my heart goes to Officers Gibson and Chestnut with 
the utmost gratitude.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution 
agreed to yesterday to remember and honor the lives of two American 
heroes, Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob 
Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police.
  Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson died in the line of duty last 
Friday while courageously protecting Members of Congress, congressional 
staff and visitors to the U.S. Capitol. Their heroic actions, and those 
of other U.S. Capitol Police officers, saved countless lives--including 
my Health Subcommittee staff, two interns in my office, and a family 
from my congressional district visiting Washington, D.C.
  We cannot forget that the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police 
put their lives on the line every day for us. They are dedicated 
professionals who protect our nation's foremost symbol of freedom and 
democracy. More important, they protect our lives, those of our staff, 
and the millions of tourists who visit the Capitol each year.
  Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut are heroes. Their selfless act 
of courage exemplifies the valor, dedication, and professionalism of 
the men and women who serve on the U.S. Capitol Police force. As the 
resolution before us so eloquently states, ``those who guard the 
Capitol guard our freedom.''
  I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of these two guardians 
of freedom and all of the officers of the U.S. Capitol Police. Although 
words are little solace, I hope their families and colleagues will take 
comfort in the admiration and respect of a grateful nation for these 
fallen heroes. May they rest in peace.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, as a former law enforcement officer, I 
understand the pain and difficulty associated with the continuation of 
lives without fathers and husbands, brothers and friends. As I was a 
sheriff before coming to Congress, I keep up my contacts with other law 
enforcement types, both here and back in Texas.
  So I knew both officers who dies in the brief combat inside the doors 
of our Nation's Capitol, and my staff and I mourn their loss, along 
with their families, and their extended families here on Capitol Hill 
in the larger family of Congress.
  I know this: There is nothing that either of these officers would 
have wanted more than to fulfill their mission and be hailed by the 
institution they served, as well as their country, as heroes for 
democracy. That is an honor of the highest order. Those of us who walk 
these hallways each day understand the perils we face at the end of the 
20th century. There is no grand military conflict consuming the world 
today.
  Yet the minds of some of our citizens are badly tormented, to the 
point that they believe they can only resolve that conflict by doing 
damage to their government. This man was not an enemy of the state * * 
* he was mentally disturbed. What was fundamentally different about him 
was that he carried a gun and apparently had no fear of being killed in 
an attempt to violate this sacred building.
  We cannot protect this building, nor the people who work here, from 
the evil in the minds of individuals who are unafraid to die and have 
the nerve to rush a security checkpoint with a gun. This is a democracy 
in pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. If we lock off elected 
officials from those they govern, our democracy will come out of this 
tragedy a little weaker.
  Democracy is not easy. It has never been easy. For those people who 
work for the Federal Government, this particular time in history is 
occasionally dangerous. We all know it. It was never more apparent than 
in 1995 when a fanatic blew up the Oklahoma City Federal building. It 
is part of our consciousness, but we know that if we let them dictate 
how we behave, the bad guys win.
  I won't stand for that. My colleagues in this hallowed hall won't 
stand for that. Officers Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson didn't stand 
for that, and they laid down their lives as they were trained to do to 
protect the civilians who inhabited the building at the moment the 
gunfight broke out. They gave the last full measure of devotion to 
their country and to this institution they were sworn to protect.
  My personal thanks today to the officers, and to their families, for 
standing firm on that thin blue line.
  Mr. JENKINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest sympathy 
and condolences to the families of Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, the 
two brave officers who sacrificed their lives to protect the lives of 
hundreds of others visiting this scared symbol of freedom. No words can 
begin to ease the pain and suffering that the Chestnut and Gibson 
families are feeling at this moment. I hope, however, that these 
grieving families can take some solace in the outpouring of love and 
support from grateful Members, staff, fellow police officers, and 
citizens from across this country.
  The bravery and sacrifice exhibited by these offices are 
characteristics of the entire Capitol Hill Police Force. Far too often, 
all of us take their work in protecting these grounds for granted. We 
forget that in a moments notice someone intending to cause harm to 
others can disrupt the order and normalcy that many of us have come to 
expect as we work here. It is during this time that we depend on those 
brave men and women who work to ensure that the Capitol remains a safe 
haven for those working and visiting. Officer Chestnut and Detective 
Gibson did not let us down. At the first sign of trouble, both officers 
intervened and took the appropriate action. As a result of their 
selfless and heroic actions, I am confident that many were spared 
injury or death.
  Mr. Speaker, it is highly appropriate to see these heroes be given 
the ultimate tribute of lying in honor in the Rotunda of the building 
where they served, protected, and perished. No one deserves this honor 
more than Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson. May God bless each of 
them.
  Mr. HALL of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Officer 
Jacob Chestnut and Detective John Gibson who valiantly gave their lives 
this past Friday, July 24, in the Capitol. If it were not for the 
courage and composure which they displayed in the face of mortal 
danger, more lives may have been lost. Officer Chestnut and Detective 
Gibson made the greatest sacrifice that a human can make in order to 
save the people that were working in or visiting the Capitol. We are 
forever in their debt and will not forget their bravery and valor.
  Both Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson were husbands and both 
were fathers. I know that these moments are difficult ones for their 
wives and children and that words are unlikely to ease their pain. They 
should know, however, that they are in my prayers and are in the hearts 
of all Members of this Congress and of all the American people. What 
these officers did will not be forgotten. They placed the lives of 
others above their own, and for that they are heroes. Officer Chestnut 
and Detective Gibson did not die in vain; they died honorably, saving 
the people that they had sworn to protect.
  Friday's attack on the Capitol was a surprise and a shock that has 
left everyone shaken. It was a tragic incident without any known 
motivation. Though we may not be able to understand what prompted it we 
can ensure that the Capitol remains guarded by dedicated officers who 
make it a safe place in which to work and visit.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I ask you and my 
colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Detective John Gibson and 
Officer Jacob Chestnut. They were good men who were loved dearly by 
their families and who were respected deeply by those who worked with 
them. They are true heroes whose courageous actions will always be 
remembered. Moreover, for those who knew them and interacted with them 
on a daily basis, their loss is deep. Detective Gibson and Officer 
Chestnut have moved us with their deeds. In protecting the lives of 
others, they gave their own.
  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise both with grief and with pride in 
support of House Concurrent Resolution 311. Like all of my colleagues 
and, indeed, like all Ameicans, I am grieving over the tragic, violent 
deaths on Friday of two valiant U.S. Capitol Police Officers, Private 
First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut and Detective John Michael Gibson. 
And I am proud of these two heroes, members of our Capitol Hill family, 
who made the paramount sacrifice by giving their lives to protect the 
Members, staff, and guests of this Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, J.J. Chestnut and John Gibson were special men every 
day. They loved their families and their jobs. They were courteous and 
friendly, generous and professional. On Friday, they did what they had 
to do, what they were trained to do, and became heroes. Their deaths 
leave tremendous holes in the fabric of our lives.

[[Page H6508]]

  These crimes were particularly alarming because they took place 
inside the Capitol building, the People's House, which is and must 
always remain open to the public, and where people expect to be safe. 
Witness after witness, tourist after tourist told the press that they 
had never imagined they would hear gunfire here.
  But, Mr. Speaker, the heroism of J.J. Chestnut and John Gibson 
demonstrate that the Capitol is safe. It may not be challenged very 
often, but on this terrible Friday the security system worked. Two 
officers gave their lives and many others responded swiftly and capably 
to protect the public and apprehend the gunman, but only one visitor 
was wounded. Without our Capitol Police Officers' professionalism, 
readiness, and training, and their heroic responses to a terrible 
threat, the harm would undoubtedly have been much greater.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my condolences to the wives 
and children, other family members, neighbors, and friends of J.J. 
Chestnut and John Gibson and to assure them that we share their sorrow 
over their loss, and that they are in our thoughts and our prayers. 
They, too, are heroes, who every day sent their loved ones to work, 
never certain they would return. They, too, have paid an enormous price 
for the safety of Members, staff, and visitors to the Capitol.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution, like House Concurrent Resolution 310 
passed yesterday, is necessary and appropriate, and I urge all my 
colleagues to support it.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic courage 
displayed by Officer Jacob Chestnut and Special Agent John Gibson 
during Friday's violent episode that took place in our nation's 
Capitol.
  These two brave men, in the ultimate act of selfless defense of 
others, put themselves in harm's way to protect the public, members and 
staff in the United States Capitol building. Through their heroic 
actions, they averted a potentially more tragic situation. These two 
men are a tribute and a testament to law enforcement officers 
everywhere who risk their lives daily to defend the citizens of this 
nation.
  In light of this grave tragedy, let us not be swayed from keeping our 
nation's capitol open to the people. Let us also recognize this tragedy 
as a harsh reminder of the price we sometimes pay for freedom in our 
country. We are grateful for these men who, in the ultimate sacrifice, 
gave their lives in the defense of others. We are thankful for the law 
enforcement officers who risk their lives in the defense of freedom in 
our country and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the 
line of duty.
  I offer our deepest gratitude to the officers who work day in and day 
out for the protection of the citizens of this nation and I offer my 
deepest sympathies to the families of these two heroes, Officer 
Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson, Our thoughts and prayers are with 
the Chestnut and Gibson families.
  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my fellow colleagues to 
honor both Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut, who 
selflessly gave their lives in the protection of this Capitol and all 
those who work and visit here.
  Mr. Speaker, it's easy to overlook the efforts of those who protect 
and serve on these grounds. It's easy to overlook because they do their 
jobs with the greatest efficiency and professionalism every hour of 
every day, all year long. This past Friday, we were all reminded of 
just how important a part these brave men and women play in protecting 
this ``House of the People.''
  Mr. Speaker, we were also reminded that there is often a price to pay 
for the freedom we enjoy in this great nation. Every day, thousands of 
men and women across this nation risk their lives to protect and to 
serve. Police, firefighters, military personnel--all have committed 
their lives to protecting others.
  This past Friday, Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut did more than 
protect Members of Congress, congressional staff and visiting 
tourists--these two men gave their lives to protect our very unique 
form of government. They gave their lives so this building could remain 
open, accessible and safe for all Americans to participate in their 
democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that every American keep the families of Detective 
Gibson and Officer Chestnut in their daily prayers and thoughts. Both 
of these men are genuine heroes whose selfless and courageous deeds 
will not be soon forgotten.
  I commend my colleagues who have joined in support of a resolution 
which authorizes the establishment of a fund to provide financial 
support to the families of these two men. I hope those that wish to 
help these families will do so by contacting the United States Capitol 
Police Memorial Fund, Washington, DC 20515.
  Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, we gather today to honor two men in a way 
that has been reserved for presidents and military heroes.
  Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that we would honor the two slain Capitol 
Police officers as only 26 other Americans have been recognized. Jacob 
Chestnut and John Gibson were heroes. They chose to place themselves in 
harm's way every day they came to work. And in that awful moment last 
Friday, they did not flinch from making the ultimate sacrifice to 
protect co-workers, friends, and even complete strangers.
  They were more than just officers, though. They were husbands, 
fathers, and a grandfather. We grieve with their families, mourning 
their loss and ours.
  Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson were part of the ``thin blue line'' 
that runs through every community in America. As we remember their 
heroism this week, let us not forget that their colleagues--here at the 
Capitol and in law enforcement agencies throughout the nation--still 
stand ready to protect and to serve. And let us appreciate the 
contributions they make--and the risks they take--each day when they 
put on that uniform.
  As Ronald Reagan said, ``those who say we don't have heroes anymore 
just don't know where to look.'' We lost two of those heroes on Friday.
  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two men who gave 
their lives in defense of freedom--Officer J.J. Chestnut and Special 
Agent John Gibson. They will be deeply missed by all who had the great 
privilege of knowing them.
  As one of my colleagues so eloquently stated, we are the land of the 
free because we are the home of the brave. Last Friday, our freedom was 
preserved by the bravery of Officers Chestnut and Gibson, when a 
deranged gunman tried to invade the People's House.
  These two heroes were both dedicated family men. Officer Chestnut's 
wife, Wen Ling, and their children--Joseph, Janece, Janet, Karen, and 
William--and Officer Gibson's wife, Evelyn, and their children--
Kristen, John, and Daniel--should know that their husbands, their 
fathers, each served his country with the utmost dedication and honor. 
They will not be forgotten.
  The men and women of the Capitol Police are dedicated to preserving 
and protecting the People's House. They put their lives on the line for 
us--Members of Congress, our staffs, and each American who comes to 
visit our great Capitol--every day.
  Through their selfless act of bravery, Officers Chestnut and Gibson 
saved the lives of countless Members, staff, and tourists who were 
working in and walking through the Capitol last Friday. We literally 
owe our lives to them.
  I know that the House, Senate, and indeed the entire nation joins me 
in expressing our deepest sympathies and prayers for the families of 
Officer Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson. These two men are true 
American heroes.

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