[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 13, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1960-H1961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1515
CALLING UPON LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE
RESOURCES AND AID GOLD SHIELD FAMILIES IN THEIR TIME OF NEED
Mr. ONDER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 364) calling upon local communities to support
organizations that provide resources and aid Gold Shield Families in
their time of need.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 364
Whereas brave men and women across the United States serve
as first responders, courageously risking their lives to
protect United States communities;
Whereas the families of these valiant first responders
exhibit unparalleled strength, resilience, and sacrifice,
supporting their loved ones in their noble service to the
Nation;
Whereas the loss of a first responder in the line of duty
is a profound tragedy that leaves an enduring impact on their
families, necessitating unwavering support;
Whereas Gold Shield Families, families of fallen police
officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians,
correction officers, emergency dispatch officers, and
emergency service providers who have tragically lost their
lives in the line of duty protecting and serving their
communities, endure hardships and challenges while upholding
the legacy of their fallen heroes; and
Whereas nonprofits throughout the United States provide
resources and support Gold Shield Families as an expression
of the Nation's enduring gratitude and appreciation for their
tremendous contributions and sacrifices: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That--
(1) local communities throughout the United States support
nonprofits that provide resources and aid Gold Shield
Families during their time of hardship and grief; and
(2) Gold Shield Families utilize these resources as they
process their immeasurable sacrifice.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Onder) and the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Ms. Pou) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
General Leave
Mr. ONDER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material into the Record on H. Res. 364.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Missouri?
There was no objection.
Mr. ONDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 364 calls on local communities to support
organizations that provide resources and aid to Gold Shield families in
their time of need. This is a commonsense resolution that recognizes
the families of fallen servants of public safety as revered Gold Shield
families.
These Gold Shield families deserve support from their communities in
their time of need. This resolution honors the ultimate sacrifice that
their loved ones made in the line of duty.
I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser) for his
leadership on this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the resolution, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Ms. POU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 364, which calls on local
communities to support organizations that provide resources and
assistance to the Gold Shield families.
Gold Shield families suffer tremendous, heartbreaking loss when their
loved ones--police officers, firefighters, emergency medical
technicians, and corrections officers--are killed while serving their
communities.
Mr. Speaker, I support H. Res. 364 because Gold Shield families
deserve recognition and need assistance. I am speaking of families such
as those of Captain Basil Pizzuto of Saddle Brook and Sergeant Robert
Miller of Clifton, both from the State of New Jersey.
Yet, I must also highlight that the Department of Justice recently
terminated 365 competitive grants totaling $811 million. This is
funding that Congress provided to the Justice Department to help
prosecutors, police, and sheriffs' departments protect and enhance
public safety.
While the Trump administration and my friends across the aisle call
for law and order and public safety, the Department of Justice is
terminating funding for congressionally authorized grant programs that
keep our communities safe.
Mr. Speaker, I support the resolution before us today. I also urge my
colleagues to express their opposition to the elimination of
congressionally authorized public safety grant programs at the
Department of Justice.
[[Page H1961]]
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ONDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Bresnahan).
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud support of H. Res.
364, recognizing the Gold Shield families resolution. I thank my
colleague, Congressman Meuser, for his leadership in reintroducing this
important measure.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors the families of fallen first
responders, those who paid the ultimate price while protecting and
serving our communities.
These families, often referred to as the Gold Shield families, carry
an unthinkable burden of loss. It is our duty not just as lawmakers but
as fellow citizens to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten
and see that their families are taken care of after they are gone.
An astounding example of this mission and inspiration for the
resolution is right in my congressional district. Camp Freedom in
Carbondale, Pennsylvania, provides meaningful outdoor adventures that
promote healing for disabled veterans, first responders, and their
families, including the families of the fallen.
By passing H. Res. 364, we send a clear message that the sacrifices
of these families do not go unnoticed. We acknowledge that behind every
fallen officer, firefighter, or EMT is a family--spouse, children, and
parents--who bear the weight of that loss every day, yet continue to
honor their loved one's legacy through quiet strength and enduring
service to their communities.
This resolution sends a clear message: We recognize them. We honor
their sacrifice, and we stand with them.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing H. Res. 364,
making it the first step in broader efforts to support Gold Shield
families through both our words and our actions.
Ms. POU. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ONDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser), the sponsor of the resolution.
Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Onder) for his leadership, and I also thank my good friend and
colleague Congressman Rob Bresnahan for his participation and great
work and support of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, this is National Police Week, and I rise in support of
my legislation, H. Res. 364, the Gold Shield families resolution. Out
of all of the priorities that we face in this Chamber, Mr. Speaker,
none is more fundamental than ensuring public safety and protecting
human life. It is the foundation for everything else--our economy, our
freedoms, and our way of life--so the people on the front lines of that
effort are our first responders.
Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, correctional officers, and
dispatchers are the tip of the proverbial spear. They put themselves in
danger, often on a regular basis, in order to keep the rest of us safe.
They are the thin blue line, the thin gold line, and the thin red line
that holds society together. They serve not for accolades but out of
duty and honor.
Mr. Speaker, I know this personally. My father was a police officer
and a detective, while my grandfather also was a firefighter. He was
the captain of his house.
I remember clearly the risks that my father took every day he walked
out the door. I remember well what it meant to be a police family, and
I know the courage it takes not just for the officer but for the family
members who stand behind them.
When the worst happens, when a first responder is lost in the line of
duty, it is the family who bears the burden of that sacrifice for the
long term. They are the ones picking up the pieces, mourning their
loved ones, and carrying their legacy forward.
The term ``Gold Shield families'' is modeled after the Gold Star
families, which honors the families of fallen military servicemembers.
Gold Shield families are those whose loved ones wore a different kind
of uniform and who served in our communities rather than abroad but
whose sacrifice was no less significant.
The resolution simply acknowledges that reality, Mr. Speaker. It
affirms that these families who have lost a loved one in the line of
duty deserve the respect and support of the communities that they
served. Their sacrifices and their struggles will not be forgotten, and
our local communities must play their part to support nonprofit
organizations that serve Gold Shield families during their time of
grief and hardship.
H. Res. 364 encourages Gold Shield families to turn on these trusted
groups for connection, care, and healing as they navigate life after
loss. This resolution was inspired by one such organization, Camp
Freedom in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. Their executive director, my good
friend Matt Guedes, is in the Chamber with us tonight. He brought this
idea forward, and I thank Matt very, very much for a great idea and for
helping us see it through.
Mr. Speaker, Matt is a veteran and a passionate advocate for those
who serve. He saw firsthand the need to give proper recognition to the
families of fallen first responders, especially those who had once
served our country in uniform and continued that service here at home.
Camp Freedom provides outdoor healing experiences for disabled
veterans, first responders, and their families. Their mission is rooted
in community, connection, and recovery. I thank Matt and all of his
team for all that they do to support those who served our country.
To date, Camp Freedom has served more than 12,000 veterans', first
responders', and servicemembers' families from across Pennsylvania and
the country.
Mr. Speaker, I also recognize Bill Bachenberg, who founded Camp
Freedom. His passion and vision have made Camp Freedom what it is
today: a special place for many.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution is only two pages long, but its message
is powerful. It recognizes these families. It thanks them and affirms
that their sacrifices are worthy of our continued support.
This resolution has strong bipartisan backing, and I thank all of my
colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have joined as cosponsors.
During National Police Week, let me say this to every police officer,
firefighter, EMT, dispatcher, and emergency responder: I thank them for
their service. They are the thin gold line that separates us from
chaos. They are the reason that our Constitution is more than words on
paper.
Mr. Speaker, to every Gold Shield family, their loved one's service
mattered. The sacrifice of their loved one will not be forgotten, and
neither will theirs.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 364. Let's pass
this resolution and give these families the recognition and community
support that they have long deserved.
Ms. POU. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support the resolution before
us today, and I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ONDER. Mr. Speaker, in closing, H. Res. 364 is a commonsense
resolution that honors the sacrifices of our brave public servants and
helps to ensure the welfare of their families.
I urge support of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Onder) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 364.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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