[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 171 (Tuesday, December 11, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H9125-H9127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO
SECURITY AT THE CAPITOL
Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 309) honoring the United States Capitol Police for
their commitment to security at the Capitol.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 309
Whereas the Capitol is an important symbol of freedom and
democracy across the United States and throughout the world,
and those who safeguard the Capitol safeguard that freedom
and democracy;
Whereas millions of people visit the Capitol each year to
observe and learn the workings of the democratic process;
Whereas the United States Capitol Police force was created
by Congress in 1828 to provide security for the Capitol;
Whereas today the United States Capitol Police provide
protection and support services throughout an array of
congressional buildings, parks, and thoroughfares;
Whereas the United States Capitol Police provide security
for Members of Congress, their staffs, other government
employees, and many others who live near, work on, and visit
Capitol Hill;
Whereas the United States Capitol Police have successfully
managed and coordinated major demonstrations, joint sessions
of Congress, State of the Union Addresses, State funerals,
and inaugurations;
Whereas the United States Capitol Police have bravely faced
numerous emergencies, including three bombings and two
shootings, one of which, in 1998, tragically took the lives
of Private First Class Jacob ``J.J.'' Chestnut and Detective
John Michael Gibson;
Whereas the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, have
created a uniquely difficult environment for the United
States Capitol Police;
Whereas the United States Capitol Police responded to this
challenge quickly and courageously, including by facilitating
the evacuation of all of the buildings under their purview,
as well as the perimeter thereof; and
Whereas the United States Capitol Police have instituted
longer shifts, requiring that officers work substantial
overtime each week to ensure the continued protection of the
Capitol: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors and
thanks the United States Capitol Police for their outstanding
work and dedication during a period of heightened security
that began on September 11, 2001.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Davis) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers).
Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise here today with my colleague, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Davis), for consideration of H. Res. 309, a resolution
honoring the United States Capitol Police for their commitment to the
security of the Capitol, the public and the employees and Members of
Congress. Their unwavering dedication to protect and serve shall not go
unnoticed.
Congress created the United States Capitol Police force in 1828 to
provide security for the Capitol. Since inception of the Capitol
Police, their officers have courageously and successfully protected the
Capitol, and the people and buildings that surround this symbol of
freedom and democracy. The U.S. Capitol, which is simultaneously a
national shrine, a tourist attraction and a working office building,
imposes challenging security requirements.
Since the September 11 tragedy, the Capitol Police have been placed
under a tremendous strain to implement the increasing number of
important security enhancements that have been instituted. Working 6 or
7 days straight with 12 hour shifts, the United States Capitol Police
deserve a great ``thank you.''
In addition, when the House of Representatives relocated to the
General Accounting Office, the Capitol Police protected us there as
well. We know this was not an easy task, and we truly appreciate their
service.
Mr. Speaker, their valor has not come easily. The United States
Capitol Police have faced several emergencies, three bombings and two
shootings, one of which took the lives of Private First Class Jacob
``JJ'' Chestnut and Detective John Michael Gibson. I want to extend our
appreciation of their commitment to protect and serve this institution.
Last year more than 2 million tourists visited the Capitol complex,
which is comprised of 19 buildings. At the same time, the Capitol
hosted more than 1,200 American and foreign dignitaries and 1,000
special events and was the site of nearly 500 scheduled demonstrations.
In addition to lawmakers and their staffs, a sizable number of
journalists, lobbyists and service personnel also work within the
Capitol complex.
Achieving a secure environment for the Capitol complex, while still
maintaining an atmosphere of openness, has become increasingly
challenging in recent years. Both the potential threats to the Capitol
and the number of people entering the area every day have grown
dramatically. The men and women of the United States Capitol Police
risk their lives every day for the safeguarding of the Capitol.
Again, our thanks go out to you, our officers, our protectors and our
friends.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), the sponsor of the resolution.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 309,
legislation which I introduced to honor the United States Capitol
Police. I would like to thank our lead Republican cosponsor, the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), the gentleman from Ohio
(Chairman Ney) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr.
Hoyer), and also the leadership in both parties, for bringing this
important resolution to the House floor today.
The terrorist attacks of September 11 have created a uniquely
difficult environment for the Capitol Police. New security measures
have been implemented, requiring the police to work longer hours,
sometimes 12 hours and longer a day, oftentimes 6 days a week.
The Capitol Police have had to go even further above and beyond the
call of duty to protect Members of Congress, staff and many of our
visitors. The Capitol Police have responded to the new security
challenges on Capitol Hill, including the attacks on September 11 and
the anthrax attacks, quickly and courageously. They have continued
their fine tradition of serving the Capitol Hill community.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to have the opportunity to thank our
Capitol Police for the tremendous job that they do every day, and
especially since September 11. They truly are heroes, and we salute
them today.
Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).
Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for
yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. I would like to
commend the sponsor of the legislation, the gentlewoman from California
(Ms. Lee) who just spoke, and thank her for her work on this.
This legislation honors the Capitol Police, who we all know and work
with on a daily basis, for their outstanding work and dedication during
the period of heightened security needs on the day of September 11,
2001, and thereafter. It really should not take a national emergency
for us to thank those who serve and protect us on a day-to-day basis,
but it is an important act to do so today.
The Capitol is an important symbol of freedom and democracy, across
this country and throughout the world, and those who safeguard the
Capitol safeguard that freedom and democracy. Thousands of people visit
the Capitol each day to observe and learn the workings of a democratic
process.
The horrific events of September 11 have created a difficult
environment to work in, prompting extra alertness and some strain among
Members, Staff and visitors. The Capitol Police Force has responded to
this challenge quickly and courageously, especially during the
evacuation of the Capitol complex during the attacks of September 11.
Many people like to boast about how many hours they work during the
day, and we as elected officials and politicians put in a lot of hours
during our day, sometimes 12 to 18 hours. I would challenge any people
to try doing that for an extended period of time. It is personally
wearing and draining. Our folks here in the Capitol Police have had to
do 12 to 18 hour days, 6 to 7 days a week, for weeks on end, before we
finally got some relief through the
[[Page H9126]]
bringing in of the National Guard folks.
One of the great benefits of being a Member of Congress is the chance
to have access to the Capitol at all times. Many times we are working
at some pretty weird hours. We have all been here at 3 a.m. in the
morning, 6 a.m., 9 p.m., 2 p.m., 10 p.m., up until midnight, working.
Among the granite walls and marble statues and the ghosts of the past
history of this country stands a living memorial to freedom and
democracy. Our first responders to our symbol of freedom are our
Capitol Police.
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the Capitol
Police Force for their hard work in protecting the Capitol complex,
staff, Members and visitors.
Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
{time} 1630
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
I appreciate the work of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), the
chairman of the committee, and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer),
the ranking member who sponsored this bill, and I appreciate the way in
which they are meeting the challenges that security poses within the
Congress as well.
I rise in strong support of this resolution. It was passed in the
Senate on October 9. It is especially appropriate for the House to
consider it today, December 11, 3 months after the attack, particularly
given the service that the Capitol Police have rendered to the Nation
and to the Congress since then. The House certainly must not adjourn
without honoring the Capitol Police for dedication and professionalism
above what any of us could have asked. Indeed, the Capitol Police give
``rising to the occasion'' new meaning.
It would be difficult for the Capitol Police to improve upon the
reputation that they have earned over the years, but somehow they have
managed to do just that since September 11.
I know them perhaps as well as any Member because I live with them 7
days a week. I see them when I do my race walk on the weekends when the
Senate and the House are deserted, and I see them on the streets of
Capitol Hill, which they patrol. I sponsored Public Law 102-397, the
Capitol Police Jurisdiction Reform Act, which expanded their
jurisdiction for the first time. We have a long relationship and
friendship with the Capitol Police and their union.
I am pleased that D.C.'s own National Guard has relieved the Capitol
Police of the back-breaking, 12-hour days they have had to put in. I
regret that the National Guard has had to do this, but I am pleased
that the funding for additional personnel and police is now assured the
Capitol Police.
I do want to set the record straight on an erroneous impression in a
December 7 Washington Times column that indicated that I had criticized
the Capitol Police for closing tours of the Capitol; also, that I had
been pleased to have 24-hour protection of the Capitol Police. I am
pleased to say I have never had and never have needed 24-hour
protection; but if so, I know who would have been pleased to give it:
the fine Capitol Police. The tours are controlled not by the Capitol
Police, but by the Capitol Police Board.
I wrote a letter to the three members of the board, by name the
Architect of the Capitol, and the two Sergeants at Arms. My letter was
directed to them and to them alone. Indeed, I am grateful to the board
that they have decided that there is a way to open this Capitol to
tours and to keep it safe at the same time. I always knew the cops knew
how to do that.
For the record, I want to submit my letter to the three board members
into the Record and my letter to the Washington Times correcting them
for the Record. I have nothing but praise and the highest regard for
the Capitol Police. The Nation will know that is how the entire House
and Senate regard them when this resolution justifiably passes today. I
thank my colleagues for their work on this bill.
Norton Asks Reversal of Capitol Police Board by Elected Officials if
Tours Remain Closed
Washington, DC.--Following the closing of tours of the
Capitol as D.C. school children were about to be the first in
line, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton today released a
letter to the three-man Capitol Police Board that made the
decision. She asked the two Sergeants-at-Arms of the Congress
and the Architect of the Capitol to reconsider their decision
and put them on notice that otherwise, she would appeal to
House leaders and, if necessary, introduce a resolution. The
Norton letter follows:
December 5, 2001.
Hon. Alfonso Lehardt,
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, Capitol,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Wilson Livingood,
House Sergeant-at-Arms, Capitol,
Washington, DC.
Mr. Alan Hantman,
Architect of the Capitol, Capitol,
Washington, DC.
Dear Sirs: I am deeply disappointed that you have decided
once again to close tours of the Capitol, this time
precipitously just before tours were to begin again after
many weeks. I write now to ask you to reconsider this
decision within the next week by finding ways to keep the
Capitol safe while normal activities proceed and to inform
you that if you are unable to do so, I intend to appeal your
decision to the leadership of the Senate and the House, and,
if necessary, to introduce an appropriate resolution.
Letters to the Editor
The Washington Times,
Washington, DC.
To the Editor: John McCaslin's December 7, Cops Can't Win
column had to be trying hard to get the entire Capitol Police
issue as wrong as he did on both of the points he made. (1) I
never criticized the Capitol Police for closing Capitol
tours. My letter of December 5, attached to a release from my
office, was addressed to only the three officials who made
the decision, the Capitol Police Board consisting of the
Sergeants-At-Arms of the House and Senate and the Architect
of the Capitol. (2) I have never requested, never had, and
hope never to need the excellent services of the Capitol
Police for 24-hour security.
I have taken a special interest in the work of the Capitol
Police ever since coming to Congress and have a very special
affection for these men and women. With the strong support of
the Capitol Police and their union, I wrote PL 102-397, the
Capitol Police Jurisdiction Reform Act, which expanded their
jurisdiction for the first time to include more than a few
blocks around the Capitol.
These officers not only protect me as a member of Congress;
they protect city neighborhoods. The Capitol Police deserve
the nation's highest respect. They certainly have mine.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume to commend the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) for
presenting the bill and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) and
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) on bringing this bill before
our body. I would like to just add my personal 2 cents here.
The professionalism of the Capitol Police is above any that any of us
I think have ever seen in State and local law enforcement throughout
the country. Normally their job, until September 11, has involved
balancing the tremendous public access to this building, and the people
that work in it, against security. It requires a remarkable level of
patience, charm, and very watchful eyes. But since September 11, what I
particularly want to commend the Capitol Police for is the tremendous
level of flawless security they provide this facility that has given
each of us the peace of mind that our constituents have expected us to
have to do our very best work. So I would like to join my colleagues in
urging adoption of the resolution.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, the operative clause of this resolution says
simply that ``the House of Representatives honors and thanks the United
States Capitol Police for their outstanding work and dedication during
a period of heightened security that began on September 11, 2001.'' I
trust that all members will support this honor for the men and women of
the U.S. Capitol Police. They have certainly earned it. They continue
to earn it at this hour, mere steps from this spot and all around
Capitol Hill.
Congress established the Capitol Police during the administration of
John Quincy Adams. Ponder how different the world was then, and how
different the job of providing security for the Capitol would have been
then.
In the last 173 years, the world has changed immeasurably, and so has
the work of the Capitol Police.
In modern times, the police have had to cope with emergencies,
bombings and shootings, including the tragic 1998 murders of officer
J.J. Chestnut and Detective John Gibson, that remain so painfully fresh
in our memories.
[[Page H9127]]
After that tragic event, Congress properly heightened Capitol
security, adopting a posture that requires considerable additional
manpower. Recent events have obviously underscored the need for more
officers and greater security. Fortunately, additional resources are in
the pipeline.
Congress has appropriated money to fund all the additional officers
the Capitol police can hire and train during 2002, and supplemental
funds have been provided to address needs identified since September
11.
Today, the Capitol police face evolving threats from those who, for
whatever reason, wish our country harm.
What was unthinkable only a few weeks ago, has been done. We must
remain vigilant and prepared as we work to rid the world of the scourge
of terrorism.
We will continue to rely on the Capitol police as the first line of
defense for the people's house and all who work and visit here.
The men and women of the Capitol police meet their challenges with
courage and a level of professionalism not exceeded anywhere.
Since the dastardly attacks of September 11, Capitol police officers
have worked long hours under adverse conditions. These men and women
clearly represent the best that America has to offer.
I want to express my personal thanks for a job well done.
Men and women of the District of Columbia National Guard now ably
assist our Capitol police. Congress likewise owes the guardsmen and
women thanks for their assistance, and for giving our police much-
needed relief.
Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the resolution. The police clearly
deserve the honor. I applaud the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Lee]
for introducing it, the chairman [Mr. Ney], the gentleman from Michigan
[Mr. Ehlers], and of course my friend from Florida [Mr. Davis] for
bringing it to the floor today.
Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Otter). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H.Res. 309.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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