[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 105 (Thursday, July 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1467-E1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               IN TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 1998

  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, Officers Jacob J. Chestnut and John M. 
Gibson are

[[Page E1468]]

American heroes. They gave their lives protecting us, our staffs, and 
visitors to the United States Capitol. This tragedy reminds us that the 
members of the Capitol Police and other police officers across the 
country put their lives on the line for us every day.
  We honor Officers Chestnut and Gibson for their bravery and 
sacrifice. We lost two good men and fine police officers. No words can 
adequately express our feelings on this sad occasion. Our hearts go out 
to their families and to their fellow officers.
  This tragedy highlights a dilemma as old as democracy itself: the 
balance between security and openness. We have made a decision--the 
correct decision, I believe--to maintain public accessibility to the 
Capitol. The people's business must be open to the public gaze. Every 
year people from our districts, some traveling literally thousands of 
miles, visit the Capitol to share their views and urge us to support or 
oppose this or that bill. They come to partake of the history that 
walks these halls. They come simply to see us in the flesh, look us in 
the eye, and take the measure of the men and women whom they have 
elected to make our laws. Their right to do so is enshrined in the very 
concept of democracy. Nowhere is it more appropriate to exercise that 
right than here in the people's house.
  At the same time, we can not escape the reality of the world in which 
we live. There are some individuals who would take advantage of that 
openness to enter this building and do violence to those engaged in the 
people's business. Their actions defile this temple of democracy. That 
is why it is necessary to have a Capitol Police force. Its members not 
only protect us as individuals, they defend the accessibility of this 
building, accessibility which is so important to our democracy.
  On Friday, July 24, 1998, two of those officers made the ultimate 
sacrifice. Their bravery and devotion to duty enshrine the names of 
Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson among the heroes of our nation. We bow 
our heads in sorrow and gratitude. We pledge to honor their memories by 
keeping our nation's Capitol open, accessible, and safe for everyone 
who desires to enter this building, the people's house.

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