[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 19179]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      HONORING U.S. CAPITOL POLICE

  Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I want to read this resolution to make 
sure it is now a formal part of the Record. It was adopted last night. 
I submitted this resolution on behalf of all Senators, but let's make 
sure it is a formal part of the Record:

       Whereas the Capitol is an important symbol of freedom and 
     democracy across the United States and throughout the world, 
     and those who safeguard the Capitol safeguard that freedom 
     and democracy;
       Whereas millions of people visit the Capitol each year to 
     observe and learn the workings of the democratic process;
       Whereas the United States Capitol Police force was created 
     by Congress in 1828 to provide security for the United States 
     Capitol building;
       Whereas, today the United States Capitol Police provide 
     protection and support services throughout an array of 
     congressional buildings, parks, and thoroughfares;
       Whereas the United States Capitol police provide security 
     for Members of Congress, their staffs, other government 
     employees, and many others who live near, work on, and visit 
     Capitol Hill;
       Whereas the United States Capitol Police have successfully 
     managed and coordinated major demonstrations, joint sessions 
     of Congress, State of the Union Addresses, State funerals, 
     and inaugurations;
       Whereas the United States Capitol Police have bravely faced 
     numerous emergencies, including three bombings and two 
     shootings (the most recent of which in 1998 tragically took 
     the lives of Private First Class Jacob `J.J.' Chestnut and 
     Detective John Michael Gibson);
       Whereas the horrific events of September 11, 2001 have 
     created a uniquely difficult environment, requiring 
     heightened security, and prompting extra alertness and some 
     strain among staff and visitors;
       Whereas the U.S. Capitol Police force has responded to this 
     challenge quickly and courageously, including by facilitating 
     the evacuation of all of the buildings under their purview, 
     as well as the perimeter thereof;
       Whereas the United States Capitol Police Department has 
     since instituted 12-hour, 6-day shifts, requiring that 
     officers work 30 hours of overtime each week to ensure our 
     continued protection;
       Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate, That--
       (1) the Senate hereby honors and thanks the United States 
     Capitol Police for their outstanding work and dedication, 
     during a period of heightened security needs on the day of 
     September 11, 2001 and thereafter;
       (2) when the Senate adjourns on this date they shall do so 
     knowing that they are protected and secure, thanks to the 
     commitment of the United States Capitol Police.

  I wanted that to be printed in the Record so we can get that to the 
officers who have provided us with this help. We owe a great debt to 
them.

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