[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 87 (Friday, May 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING HOMETOWN HEROES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 16, 2017

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
1892, The Honoring Hometown Heroes Act. This bill will be crucial in 
giving the courageous first responders the recognition they deserve.
  The Honoring Hometown Heroes Act, or H.R. 1892, will help give honor 
to those who have passed away while serving their communities. First 
responders are some of the most important people in the country. They 
put out the fires that threaten our homes. They keep our streets safe 
to live on. They bring people who are suffering from a medical issue to 
the hospital to provide them with the care that they need. They 
investigate the crimes that have been committed and bring the 
perpetrators to justice. These brave men and women are often 
volunteers, who merely want to help their communities.
  These jobs are often dangerous. They involve fires, carbon monoxide, 
violence, and other hostile acts. Unfortunately, due to the dangerous 
nature of this work, not all of these men and women survive. They are 
killed serving their communities, making them better places to live. 
These men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice to their towns 
and cities. They deserve as much honor and respect that can be bestowed 
upon them and their families.
  I have the utmost respect and admiration for these men and women and 
believe that this bill gives proper public respect to fallen first 
responders. Governors will now be able to declare the flag to be 
lowered to half-mast. This gives governors the ability to immediately 
honor the fallen first responders. These men and women deserve as much.
  I believe that Congressman Larson's bill is a necessity for the 
United States. It is regrettable that such legislation has not been 
passed before this time. I put my full support behind this effort to 
honor those who have fallen in the service of others. This bill is an 
example of true patriotism that all members of this chamber, 
Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, can get behind for the 
benefit of the fallen first responders, their families, and the 
American people. I therefore urge passage of H.R. 1892.

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