[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 131 (Friday, September 11, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                            POLICE SHOOTINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 2015

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, over the last several weeks we've seen 
a disturbing rash of violence against law enforcement officers around 
our nation.
  Our nation's Blue Line--the first responders, local, state, federal 
police and law enforcement professionals--often represent the height of 
both heroism and humility. Each day they leave their families with the 
possibility that they might not return home--as happened to my great-
uncle Philip who was killed in the line of duty in New York City.
  Today, each of us can understand that events across our nation have 
brought about a period of great tension. And, while there is a 
conversation that we can have as Americans about law enforcement in 
2015, the shared objective cannot be realized if we allow hate, 
demagoguery or violence to dehumanize any person--least of all those 
officers who serve our communities.
  Together, we can address the challenges our nation faces head on--
without partisanship, division or hate. But that will take leadership--
including leadership from the President who cannot, nor should not, 
remain silent in the wake of these attacks.
  I stand with our nation's Blue Line and we can overcome our 
challenges together.

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