[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E910-E911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE ON 175TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2003

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I am an original co-sponsor 
of H. Con. Res.

[[Page E911]]

156, honoring the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police as they 
celebrate the 175th anniversary of the police force.
  Congress established the Capitol Police during the administration of 
John Quincy Adams. Ponder how different the world was then, when the 
U.S. Congress was a young and largely untested deliberative body 
located in a relatively isolated town that was as much wilderness as it 
was settled territory.
  In the last 175 years, the world has changed immeasurably, and so has 
the work of the Capitol Police.
  Today the U.S. Capitol--which is simultaneously a national shrine, 
tourist attraction, and working office building--imposes extraordinary 
security requirements.
  For example, more than three million tourists visited the Capitol 
complex in 2000. 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, concerned citizens, 
lobbyists, and service personnel also work within the Capitol complex.
  To address these security requirements while keeping Congress as open 
and accessible as the Framers of the Constitution intended, the mission 
of the Capitol Police has expanded to provide the Congressional 
community and visitors with the highest possible quality of a full 
range of police services. These services are provided through the use 
of a variety of specialty support units and a network of foot patrols, 
vehicular patrols, and fixed posts.
  In modern times, the Capitol Police have also 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.
  After that tragic event, Congress properly heightened Capitol 
security, adopting a posture that requires considerable additional 
manpower. Recent events in the Middle East and elsewhere have obviously 
underscored the need for more officers and greater security. 
Fortunately, additional resources have been provided.
  Congress has appropriated money to fund all the additional officers 
the Capitol Police can hire and train. Supplemental funds have also 
been provided to address needs identified since September 11, 2001.
  Today, the Capitol Police face evolving threats from those who, for 
whatever reason, wish our country and our democracy harm. What was 
unthinkable only 18 months ago, has been done. We must remain vigilant 
and prepared as we work to rid the world of the scourge of terrorism 
and preserve and expand the promise of peace and democracy.
  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, and again after the heightened 
security level of the past few months, Capitol Police officers, under 
the able leadership of Chief Terrance Gainer, 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 and wish the 
United States Capitol Police a sincere and happy 175th anniversary.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of H. Con. Res. 156.

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