[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 84 (Thursday, May 18, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

  (Mr. MEUSER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate National Police Week, we 
honor and thank the brave men and women of law enforcement. Just this 
week we passed the POLICE Act, and I proudly supported it.
  Public safety is the most important factor to a high quality of life 
and perhaps the number one function of government, but, sadly, we have 
seen a rise in anti-law enforcement rhetoric and violence.
  Already this year, 135 officers have been shot in the line of duty, a 
more than 50 percent increase from this time in 2020. This should be 
agonizing to all Americans.
  As well we must, as elected officials, always show respect for the 
work and authority of the police. If we don't, portions of the public 
will not, and weakening the thin blue line is dangerous to police 
officers and to society as a whole.
  To all those who put on the uniform every day, we say thank you to 
America's finest. As your Representative in Congress and the son of a 
former police detective, know that I will always back the blue.

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