[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE--175TH ANNIVERSARY
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Whereas the United States Capitol Police traces its origins to 1801,
when Congress moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and a
lone watchman, John Golding, had the responsibility of guarding the
Capitol facility and its functions;

Whereas the United States Capitol Police has grown from these humble
beginnings to a first rate highly professionalized, equipped, and
trained operation which provides vital services in the areas of law
enforcement, protective and security services, and emergency
preparedness, with nearly 1,700 sworn and non-sworn employees;

Whereas the United States Capitol Police has developed specialized and
expert units, including K-9, Intelligence, Emergency Preparedness,
Civil Disturbance, Criminal Investigation, Threat Assessment,
Dignitary Protection, Physical Security, Technical Security,
Electronic Countermeasures, Hazardous Devices, and the Containment
and Emergency Response Team, as well as a skilled and
professionalized administrative support function;

Whereas the United States Capitol Police, as the first line of the
defense of the Nation's Capitol, has shared in the ultimate
sacrifice in law enforcement with the tragic deaths in the line of
duty of Sergeant Christopher Eney, Private First Class Jacob J.
Chestnut, and Detective John Michael Gibson;

Whereas the United States Capitol Police continues to be in the
forefront of protecting the core elements of our democratic process
with selfless dedication and commitment; and

Whereas the United States Capitol Police was officially established in
1828 and is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2003: Now,
therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That Congress and the American people extend heartfelt congratulations
to the United States Capitol Police on the occasion of its 175th
anniversary, and express the sincerest gratitude to the men and women of
the United States Capitol Police and their families, and in particular
the Eney, Chestnut, and Gibson families, for

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117 STAT. 2945

their devotion to duty and service in safeguarding the freedoms of the
American people.

Agreed to April 30, 2003.