[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 5989]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        SALUTING LAW ENFORCEMENT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Williams) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a matter that is, 
frankly, getting out of hand. It is more than a matter; it is a 
problem. This is a problem that has expanded beyond the borders of 
individual American cities and into the international spotlight. It is 
a problem that is no longer a localized issue, but a national one that 
is spiraling out of control.
  This week, we watched in horror as Baltimore burned. We watched in 
disgust as lowlifes destroyed their own communities as local government 
helplessly stood by. We watched in anger that some could even think to 
justify this sort of behavior. I applaud President Obama for calling 
those responsible for the destruction who they really are, criminals 
and thugs.
  Mr. Speaker, everyone has the right to participate in peaceful 
demonstrations, and I thank and respect those in Baltimore who 
exercised their constitutionally granted right, but, when the actions 
of a few infringe on the rights of others, we have a problem. When the 
actions of a few violent protesters dominate the 24-hour news cycle, it 
takes away from the importance of the message, and it tears apart 
already fragile communities.
  When businesses are trashed, those responsible must be brought to 
justice. When a national chain pharmacy is set aflame, we ask if they 
will ever risk doing business in that community ever again.
  As a businessowner, I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, it would take a 
whole lot of convincing to get me to invest my sweat, energy, and 
treasure in a city that has demonstrated the type of lawlessness we 
have seen in recent days, and that is a tragedy. It is a tragedy 
because these communities so desperately need structure, stability, 
support, and jobs.
  Mr. Speaker, it is law enforcement that will help reassure businesses 
that they will be able to safely operate in these communities. It is 
law enforcement that will reduce the risk that is currently holding 
back job creators from setting up shop. Mr. Speaker, communities must 
have law and order to succeed and prosper. I applaud those in law 
enforcement who have worked so hard to ensure that.
  In God we trust.

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