[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 27, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9378-S9381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CAMPBELL:
  S. 1438. A bill to establish the National Law Enforcement Museum on 
Federal land in the District of Columbia; to the Committee on Energy 
and Natural Resources


                  National Law Enforcement Museum Act

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am pleased to introduce the 
National Law Enforcement Museum Act of 1999. This legislation would 
authorize the construction of a National Law Enforcement Museum to be 
built here in our Nation's Capital.
  Just over one year ago, this institution, along with millions of 
other Americans, were reminded about the risks that our officers must 
face on a daily basis. On July 24, 1998, U.S. Capitol Police Officer 
Jacob J. Chestnut

[[Page S9379]]

and Detective John Gibson were killed by a deranged man. This 
legislation I introduce today will ensure that their story of heroism 
and sacrifice is never forgotten, just as we must never forget the 
thousands of other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to 
secure the safety and well-being of our communities.
  As a former deputy sheriff, I know first-hand the risks peace 
officers face in enforcing our laws. Throughout our nation's history, 
nearly 15,000 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers have 
lost their lives in the line of duty. Based on FBI statistics, nearly 
63,000 officers are assaulted each year in this country, resulting in 
more than 21,000 injuries. On average, one police officer is killed 
somewhere in America every 54 hours.
  Approximately 740,000 law enforcement professionals are continuing to 
put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others.
  We owe all of those officers a huge debt of gratitude, and it is only 
fitting that we properly commemorate this outstanding record of service 
and sacrifice.
  My legislation seeks to achieve this important goal by authorizing 
the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a nonprofit 
organization, to establish a comprehensive law enforcement museum and 
research repository on federal land in the District of Columbia. The 
Fund is the same group that so ably carried out the congressional 
mandate of 1984 to establish the National Law Enforcement Officers 
Memorial, which was dedicated in 1991 just a few blocks from the 
Capitol. Clearly, their record of significant achievement speaks 
volumes about their ability to meet this important challenge.
  Since 1993, the Fund has efficiently operated a small-scale version 
of the National Law Enforcement Museum at a site located about two 
blocks from the Memorial. The time has come to broaden the scope of 
this museum and move it in closer proximity to the National Law 
Enforcement Officers Memorial.
  This museum would serve as a repository of information for 
researchers, practitioners, and the general public. The museum will 
become the premiere source of information on issues related to law 
enforcement history and safety, and obviously a popular tourist 
attraction in Washington, DC, as well.
  The ideal location for this museum is directly across from the 
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on a parcel of federal-owned 
property that now functions as a parking lot. The building, as planned, 
will have underground parking for the judicial officers who currently 
use this lot.
  Under my legislation, no federal dollars are being proposed to 
establish this museum. Rather, the Fund would raise all of the money 
necessary to construct the museum through private donations. 
Recognizing the national importance of this museum, however, the 
legislation states that upon completion of the museum facility the 
Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the General Services 
Administration will be responsible for the maintenance of the exterior 
grounds and interior space, respectively. The legislation places the 
responsibility of operating the museum in the hands of the Fund.
  Finally, let me add that this legislation is supported by 15 national 
law enforcement organizations: the Concerns of Police Survivors; the 
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; the Fraternal Order of 
Police; the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary; the International 
Association of Chiefs of Police; the International Brotherhood of 
Police Officers; the International Union of Police Associations/AFL-
CIO; the National Association of Police Organizations; the National 
Black Police Association; the National Organization of Black Law 
Enforcement Executives; the National Sheriffs Association; the National 
Troopers Coalition; the Police Executive Research Forum; the Police 
Foundation; the United Federation of Police; and the National Law 
Enforcement Council. Together, these organizations represent virtually 
every law enforcement officer, family member and police survivor in the 
United States.
  Mr. President, as we remember the sacrifices made by Officer 
Chestnut, Detective Gibson and so many other brave officers, I strongly 
urge my colleagues in the Senate to join me in support of this 
important legislation.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the 
legislation and letters of support be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the materials was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1438

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled, 

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``National Law Enforcement 
     Museum Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDING.

       Congress finds that there should be established a National 
     Law Enforcement Museum to honor and commemorate the service 
     and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in the United 
     States.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Memorial fund.--The term ``Memorial Fund'' means the 
     National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
       (2) Museum.--The term ``Museum'' means the National Law 
     Enforcement Museum established under section 4(a).
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.

     SEC. 4. NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM.

       (a) Establishment.--The Memorial Fund may construct a 
     National Law Enforcement Museum on Federal land located on 
     United States Reservation #7, on the property directly south 
     of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, bounded 
     by--
       (1) E Street, NW., on the north;
       (2) 5th Street, NW., on the west;
       (3) 4th Street, NW., on the east; and
       (4) Indiana Avenue, NW., on the south.
       (b) Design and Plans.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Memorial Fund shall be responsible for preparation of the 
     design and plans for the Museum.
       (2) Approval.--The design and plans for the Museum shall be 
     subject to the approval of--
       (A) the Secretary;
       (B) the Commission of Fine Arts; and
       (C) the National Capital Planning Commission.
       (c) Funding; Exterior Maintenance.--The Secretary--
       (1) shall not permit construction of the Museum to begin 
     unless the Secretary determines that sufficient amounts are 
     available to complete construction of the Museum in 
     accordance with the design and plans approved under 
     subsection (b); and
       (2) shall maintain the exterior and exterior grounds of the 
     Museum after completion of construction.
       (d) Interior Maintenance.--The Administrator of General 
     Services shall maintain the interior of the Museum after 
     completion of construction.
       (e) Operation.--The Memorial Fund shall operate the Museum 
     after completion of construction.
       (f) Federal Share.--The United States shall pay no expense 
     incurred in the establishment or construction of the Museum.
       (g) Failure To Construct.--If the Memorial Fund fails to 
     construct the Museum by the date that is 7 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the authority to construct the 
     Museum shall terminate on that date, unless construction of 
     the Museum begins before that date.
                                  ____

                                           National Association of


                                   Police Organizations, Inc.,

                                  Washington, D.C., July 20, 1999.
     Hon. Ben Nighthorse Campbell,
     Washington, DC,
       Dear Senator Campbell: I am writing on behalf of the 
     National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) to thank 
     you for your understanding and willingness to introduce 
     legislation that when passed into law would authorize the 
     National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) to 
     establish a National Law Enforcement Museum in the District 
     of Columbia directly across the street from the National Law 
     Enforcement Officers Memorial.
       I stand ready to work with your staff to ensure speedy 
     passage of this important legislation.
       NAPO is a coalition of police unions and association from 
     across the United States that serves in Washington, DC to 
     advance the interest of America's law enforcement officers 
     through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and 
     education. Founded in 1978, NAPO now represents 4,000 police 
     organizations and more than 220,000 sworn law enforcement 
     officers including the Denver Police Association and the 
     nearly 4,000 members of the Colorado Police Protective 
     Association.
       NAPO lobbied tirelessly for the passage of legislation that 
     allowed for the establishment of the National Law Enforcement 
     Officers Memorial and will work just as hard for this 
     legislation, which when completed will truly complement each 
     other.
       The Memorial serves as a reminder to the law enforcement 
     community and the law-abiding public the sacrifice made on a 
     daily basis by our nation's law enforcement officers and 
     their loved ones.

[[Page S9380]]

       The museum will serve as the most comprehensive law 
     enforcement museum and research facility in the world. It 
     will help create a better understanding of the law 
     enforcement mission and will assist in bringing the police 
     and the public closer together.
       I appreciate your continued support of the law enforcement 
     community.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Robert T. Scully,
     Executive Director.
                                  ____



                                  National Troopers Coalition,

                                       Albany, NY., July 19, 1999.
     Hon. Ben Nighthorse Campbell,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Campbell:  On behalf of the over 40,000 
     members of the National Troopers Coalition, I wish to thank 
     you for your sponsorship of legislation that will create a 
     National Law Enforcement Museum on Federal land directly 
     across the street from the National Law Enforcement Officers 
     Memorial.
       This museum, in combination with the National Law 
     Enforcement Officers Memorial, will pay tribute to law 
     enforcement as a profession, as well as educate the public on 
     the duties performed by the public servants who have sworn to 
     protect the Constitution and the communities they serve. The 
     research component alone, in conjunction with established 
     Federal resources, should serve all of law enforcement as the 
     premier source of information for operational and training 
     purposes.
       The site being considered is a natural setting for this 
     museum and would no doubt enhance those Federal and District 
     of Columbia facilities located nearby.
       In closing, I would like to thank you for your leadership 
     in introducing this legislation, as well as your support for 
     State Troopers/Highway Patrolmen and their families. Your 
     concern for them is deeply appreciated. If I or another 
     member of the National Troopers Coalition can assist you, 
     please don't hesitate to contact us.
           Sincerely:
                                                        Mike Muth,
     1st Vice Chairman.
                                  ____

                                           Federal Law Enforcement


                                         Officers Association,

                                East Northport, NY, July 23, 1999.
     Hon. Ben Nighthorse Campbell,
     U.S. Senator,
     Russell Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: On behalf of the more than 16,000 
     members of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association 
     (FLEOA). I wish to express FLEOA's strong support for 
     legislation establishing a National Law Enforcement Museum on 
     Federal land located directly across the street from the 
     National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM). FLEOA 
     thanks you for your support.
       This legislation creates the largest and most comprehensive 
     law enforcement museum and research facility, at no cost to 
     the taxpayer as all funds necessary to complete the 
     construction will be raised through private donations. We 
     sincerely believe the museum and research facility will 
     enable the public to better understand and appreciate the 
     work of law enforcement, and thus further assist law 
     enforcement in fighting crime. The proposed location, across 
     the street from the Memorial Wall containing the names of 
     nearly 15,000 American law enforcement heroes, is ideal. 
     FLEOA, as a member of the NLEOM Executive Board, fully 
     supports this concept and proposed legislation.
       If you have any questions or need further information, 
     please feel free to contact me directly at (212) 264-8400, or 
     through feel free to contact me directly at (516) 368-6117. 
     Thank you for your support.
                                                 Richard J. Gallo,
     President.
                                  ____

                                National Black Police Association,
                                    Washington, DC, July 21, 1999.
     Hon. Ben Nighthorse Campbell,
     U.S. Senate, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Campbell: The National Black Police 
     Association was created in 1972 as a network between minority 
     officers across the country. The NBPA fosters a bond between 
     the minority officers and their communities. This nonprofit 
     organization has helped to improve relations between the 
     police departments and the community.
       I am writing on behalf of the National Law Enforcement 
     Memorial Fund to formally request that you introduce 
     legislation authorizing the NLEOMF to establish a National 
     Law Enforcement Museum on Federal land located directly 
     across the street from the National Law Enforcement Officers 
     Memorial.
       The goal of the NLEOMF is to create the largest and most 
     comprehensive law enforcement museum and research facility 
     found anywhere in the world. The museum will become ``the 
     source'' of information on issues related to law enforcement 
     history and safety. This facility would help to create a much 
     better public understanding of and appreciation for the law 
     enforcement profession and the work that they perform at 
     great personal risk.
       The museum site that is specified in this draft legislation 
     is federally-owned land that is currently being used by the 
     District of Columbia as a parking lot for the court buildings 
     in the area. Therefore, we hope that you give our request 
     favorable consideration. The museum will become a legacy 
     which that we all would be extremely proud.
           Sincerely,
                                                Wendell M. France,
     Chairperson.
                                  ____

                                                      National Law


                                          Enforcement Council,

                                    Washington, DC, July 21, 1999.
     Hon. Ben Nighthorse Campbell,
     U.S. Senate, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Campbell: As an honorary board member of the 
     National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial I am pleased to 
     endorse plans for a museum facility on the grounds of the 
     NLEOM. We strongly encourage you and your colleagues in the 
     Congress to support our efforts. The land on which we wish to 
     build our museum is locate on federal land and is located 
     directly across from the Memorial. It requires the approval 
     of Congress.
       A Joint Resolution for the building of our Memorial (PL 98-
     534) was approved by the Congress and signed into law in 
     1991. We understand a similar Joint Resolution is required 
     for the transfer of the public land in question, which is the 
     site selected for the museum.
       We are grateful for your interest and help in the 
     introduction of the necessary legislation which would allow 
     the NLEOMF to build their museum on federal land across from 
     their Museum.
       Kindest regards.
           Sincerely yours,
     Donald Baldwin.
                                  ____

                                              United Federation of


                                        Police Officers, Inc.,

                               Briarcliff Manor, NY, July 2, 1999.
     Hon. Ben Nighthorse Campbell,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Campbell: As a member of the National Law 
     Enforcement Memorial Fund's Board of Directors, I am writing 
     to formally request you introduce legislation authorizing our 
     organization to establish the National Law Enforcement Museum 
     on Federal Land located directly across the street from the 
     National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. It is my 
     understanding that you have received a draft of the proposed 
     legislation from our Executive Director Craig Floyd.
       The goal is to create the largest and most comprehensive 
     law enforcement museum and research facility found anywhere 
     in the world. The museum will become the source of 
     information on issues related to law enforcement history and 
     safety. This facility would create a much better public 
     understanding of and appreciation for the law enforcement 
     profession and the work that they perform at great personal 
     risk. The museum and research facility would also serve as an 
     important tool for policy makers and law enforcement trainers 
     in their efforts to make the profession safer and more 
     effective. This museum facility work provide an effective and 
     appropriate complement to the National Law Enforcement 
     Officers Memorial in commemorating the extraordinary level of 
     service and sacrifice provided throughout our history by our 
     nation's law enforcement officers.
       Therefore, on behalf of our active, retired, and associate 
     members, I urge you to shepherd this legislation through the 
     United States Congress so this dream will become a reality.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Ralph M. Purdy,
     President.
                                  ____

                                   National Sheriffs' Association,
                                    Alexandria, VA, July 20, 1999.
     Re: National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial--National Law 
         Enforcement Museum Legislation.

     Hon. Ben Nighthorse Campbell,
     U.S. Senator, U.S. Senate, Russell Senate Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Campbell: On behalf of the National Sheriffs' 
     Association--representing the Office of Sheriff and the 
     public safety community in law enforcement, jails, and 
     judicial and court services--I write to express our 
     organization's wholehearted support for the establishment of 
     a National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C.
       Your background as a law enforcement officer and your 
     advocacy on behalf of the public safety community are 
     respected and appreciated by the NSA constituency, and I 
     assure you that--as a proud and dedicated member of the 
     Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the National 
     Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial--I will work hard with 
     NSA's leadership to assist you in any way we can in 
     furtherance of your proposed legislation for the Museum.
       NSA supports all legislation for the betterment of our 
     citizenry and the public safety community. The old motto To 
     Protect and Serve would be enshrined in a museum such as that 
     proposed and would preserve law enforcement's historical 
     roots. Accordingly, the National Sheriffs' Association would 
     welcome the privilege to work closely with you on this 
     honorable endeavor.
           Sincerely,
                                                  A.N. Moser, Jr.,
                                               Executive Director.

[[Page S9381]]

     
                                  ____
       National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives,

                                    Alexandria, VA, July 19, 1999.
     Hon. Ben Nighthorse Campbell,
     Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Campbell: The National Organization of Black 
     Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), applauds your efforts to 
     honor the law enforcement officers who have protected, and 
     those who protect our communities by introducing legislation 
     to create the National Law Enforcement Museum.
       NOBLE is an organization of over 3,500 primarily African-
     American law enforcement CEO's and command level officials 
     who are committed to improving the quality of law enforcement 
     service in this country through training, professional 
     competence, personal example and by forming meaningful 
     partnerships with the community.
       NOBLE is a member of the board of directors of the National 
     Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, and as such, supports the 
     proposed National Law Enforcement Museum to be located on the 
     isle of a parking lot in Judiciary Square, just south of the 
     National Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
       The nation's memorial to law enforcement officers who have 
     made the supreme sacrifice is unfortunately a perpetual 
     memorial with an average of 150 names inscribed on the 
     memorial walls each year. The memorial serves as a place 
     where the families, friends and coworkers can find peace and 
     solace as they cope with the loss of ``their'' officer.
       Many of these visitors leave mementos that are catalogued 
     and stored in the memorial offices. Other important items 
     relating to law enforcement are also sent to the memorial 
     offices. The memorial office is not an appropriate location 
     to display these remembrances. We believe that these items 
     should be displayed with the dignity they deserve. The 
     National Law Enforcement Museum would compliment the memorial 
     by not only telling the story of the courage and sacrifice of 
     the individual officers ``on the wall'' but also the 
     evolution of the law enforcement profession.
       Besides the historical component, the museum would include 
     a research center. This is a logical progression for the 
     NLEOMF as the center would provide the opportunity to focus 
     law enforcement historical and safety information at one 
     location.
       Fiscally, NOBLE believes that the National Law Enforcement 
     Museum is a good investment for the nation. The NLEOMF is 
     committed to this memorial and we have the capacity to 
     construct the memorial through private donations.
       The NLEOMF will partner with Secretary of the Interior and 
     the Administrator of the General Services Administration for 
     the maintenance of the building and grounds and the NLEOMF 
     would operate the museum. The D.C. Supreme Court has already 
     given its support for the museum.
       We trust that Congress will act on this legislation 
     expeditiously and turn this barren parking lot into living 
     facility, that will meld the past, the present and the future 
     of law enforcement with the memories of those whose names are 
     engraved on the walls of the companion memorial.
           Sincerely,
                                                Robert L. Stewart,
                                               Executive Director.
                                 ______