[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 14932]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING OUR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

  (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's firefighters sign up for the 
job knowing the dangers they will often face in order to keep their 
communities safe. Tragically, we have seen these first responders give 
their lives in service to others.
  This past Sunday the 2015 Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial 
Service took place on the State Capitol grounds to honor the 9 
Minnesota firefighters--and 216 nationwide--that have passed away in 
the line of duty this year.
  The event honors the sacrifice that these firefighters have made and 
also provides support for their families who are coping with a profound 
loss.
  As policymakers, it is important that we recognize what our first 
responders go through on a daily basis and support them. Earlier this 
year Congress passed my legislation, which is now law, that ensures 
that survivor benefits for families of those killed in the line of duty 
are not taxed.
  Mr. Speaker, we are blessed that so many men and women sign up to put 
themselves in harm's way to keep others safe. For those that give their 
life, we must not forget their sacrifice.

                          ____________________