[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3376-H3377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

  (Mr. RUTHERFORD asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, as many of you know, this 
National Police Week is dedicated to the brave men and women of law 
enforcement who have fallen in the line of duty.
  As a lifelong law enforcement officer and a former sheriff, this day 
is both reflective and somber for me, my colleagues, and our law 
enforcement communities nationwide.
  Every day, our officers put on a gun and a badge and say good-bye to 
their loved ones, not knowing if they will return home again. They 
stand as a shield between the vulnerable, who they vow to protect, and 
those intent on doing harm.
  Last year alone, 111 officers sacrificed their lives in service to 
their communities. For this, we owe them a debt of gratitude, and I 
call on all of us

[[Page H3377]]

to live our lives worthy of their sacrifice.
  I have here with me and am proud to yield to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), my good friend and co-chair of the House 
bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus.
  Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman and Sheriff 
Rutherford for yielding.
  This week, law enforcement officers from across our country are 
gathering here in Washington for National Police Week. It is a time 
when we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice 
in service to our communities and our great country--the greatest 
country the world has ever known--and to commit ourselves to supporting 
those who serve us day in and day out.
  Every day, these men and women put on a vest and a badge, kiss their 
loved ones good-bye, and head out the door, not knowing whether they 
will be coming home. Their courage, selflessness, and commitment to 
safety will never be forgotten.
  To the families who carry the weight of this loss every day, we stand 
with them. We pray for them and remain forever grateful for their loved 
one's service.
  We must redouble our commitment to investing in law enforcement to 
make sure we protect our great country.
  I am very honored to be here with the co-chair of the bipartisan Law 
Enforcement Caucus, Sheriff Rutherford, and with all of these Members 
who stand united in making sure we protect our great country.
  Please join me in a moment of silence to honor the fallen heroes of 
law enforcement.

                          ____________________