[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the men and women 
of the United States Capitol Police. Since the terrorist attacks of 
September 11, America as a nation has grown to appreciate the work that 
the Capitol Police has done to protect its citizens. The FY 2003 
Legislative Branch Appropriations bill before us, allows officers to 
receive most of the back pay that they earned while working overtime 
since September 11. As you know, House employees, which include U.S. 
Capitol Police, are prohibited from earning more than Members of 
Congress. Because Capitol Police pay is calculated quarterly, officers 
who worked an enormous amount of overtime in one quarter, if 
annualized, can exceed the existing annual limit on pay. This bill's 
provisions change this method of calculating pay to permit officers to 
receive their overtime pay.
  This bill appropriates a total of $219 million for the Capitol 
Police, $61 million more than the current level. This total includes 
$176 million for salaries and $43 million for general expenses. This 
level of funding will support 1,454 officers and 326 civilian 
positions. The bill also includes an additional $37.5 million for 
Capitol Police buildings. This bill provides a 5% merit pay raise for 
Capitol Police, which would be in addition to the 4.1% cost of living 
adjustment provided to congressional staff.
  This bill provides for a tuition payment program for police recruits 
and officers, as well as a measure to provide extra pay for officers 
with special duties, such as members of the bomb squad or those who 
provide protection to Members or visiting dignitaries.
  As a former federal law enforcement officer of twenty-six and a half 
years, I understand first-hand the importance of the duties performed 
by the Capitol Police. Our officers have been spending numerous days 
and nights, working long hours, to ensure that Members of Congress, 
their staffs, and the general public are safe and protected. We 
certainly owe these officers a debt of gratitude. More than ever, I 
admire and respect our United States Capitol Police and am glad to see 
that their hard work has not gone unnoticed.
  Thank you Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________