[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 73 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING POLICE OFFICERS

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                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2003

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, today many of us will join law enforcement 
officers from across the country on the west lawn of the Capitol to 
honor police officers killed in the line of duty. I have a special 
affinity for our men and women in blue, especially the members of the 
Chicago Police Department, including my Uncle Les who has been on the 
force for as long as I can remember.
  This year 337 names will be added to the National Law Enforcement 
Officers Memorial. I find it ironic that as we remember these lost 
heroes, the Republican leadership refuses to renew the Assault Weapons 
Ban. Even worse, they will not even allow the bill to be called for a 
vote in the House. Is this the best way we could choose to honor our 
fallen officers? Is this how we should remember Donald Marquez, a 20 
year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who was gunned down while 
trying to serve a summons?
  Year after year gunshot wounds are the leading killers of police 
officers on duty. Keeping guns out of the hand of criminals would be an 
even better tribute, and as a member of Congress I will work hard to 
make our streets safer. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join 
me in this endeavor.

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