[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 196 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF OFFICER HOWARD ``HOWIE'' LIEBENGOOD

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2025

  Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Officer Howard ``Howie'' Liebengood for his tremendous service to our 
Nation as a U.S. Capitol Police officer on January 6, 2021. Officer 
Liebengood proudly served with the U.S. Capitol Police for over 15 
years and demonstrated incredible courage, commitment, and honor during 
his decorated career.
  Officer Liebengood was on duty at the U.S. Capitol during the events 
of January 6, 2021. In the days that followed, he continued to serve, 
carrying the immense and often unseen toll felt by so many officers in 
the aftermath of that tragic day. He tragically passed on January 9, 
2021, at the age of 51. At the time of his passing, he lived in Vienna, 
Virginia, where he was a valued member of the community.
  Officer Liebengood's story is quieter and harder to speak about, not 
because his service was any less meaningful, but because the nature of 
his loss reflects the unseen burdens that many public servants carry. 
It is precisely for that reason that his life and service must be 
remembered with dignity. Service and suffering that go unseen still 
matter, and those who bear such weight in silence deserve our lasting 
gratitude.
  Officer Liebengood's colleagues would often describe him as steady, 
kind, and deeply committed to the shared mission. These qualities made 
him an incredible officer, a trusted partner, and a genuine friend 
within the U.S. Capitol Police.
  Officer Liebengood's life and legacy have been recognized with 
several significant honors. In 2022, he was posthumously awarded the 
Defenders of Democracy Award by the University of Virginia's Center for 
Politics for his brave service on January 6th and his efforts to 
protect our democracy alongside his fellow officers. That same year, 
Officer Liebengood was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the oldest 
and highest civilian award in the Nation. In 2023, he was awarded the 
Presidential Citizens Medal, which recognizes citizens who have 
performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or fellow 
citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Officer 
Howard ``Howie'' Liebengood and in extending our deepest condolences to 
his family, friends, and fellow officers. His steadfast service to the 
United States Capitol Police will not be forgotten.

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