Authorizing the Use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition

Floor Speech

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Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 15) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.

The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows: H. Con. Res. 15

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), SECTION 1. USE OF THE CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL SERVICE.

(a) In General.--The Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary shall be permitted to sponsor a public event, the 42d Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service (in this resolution referred to as the ``Memorial Service''), on the Capitol Grounds, in order to honor the law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during 2022.

(b) Date of Memorial Service.--The Memorial Service shall be held on May 15, 2023, or on such other date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate jointly designate, with preparation for the event to begin on May 10, 2023, and takedown completed on May 16, 2023. SEC. 2. USE OF THE CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR NATIONAL HONOR GUARD AND PIPE BAND EXHIBITION.

(a) In General.--The Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary shall be permitted to sponsor a public event, the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition (in this resolution referred to as the ``Exhibition''), on the Capitol Grounds, in order to allow law enforcement representatives to exhibit their ability to demonstrate Honor Guard programs and provide for a bagpipe exhibition.

(b) Date of Exhibition.--The Exhibition shall be held on May 14, 2023, or on such other date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate jointly designate. SEC. 3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

(a) In General.--Under conditions to be prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board, the event shall be--

(1) free of admission charge and open to the public; and

(2) arranged not to interfere with the needs of Congress.

(b) Expenses and Liabilities.--The sponsors of the Memorial Service and Exhibition shall assume full responsibility for all expenses and liabilities incident to all activities associated with the events. SEC. 4. EVENT PREPARATIONS.

Subject to the approval of the Architect of the Capitol, the sponsors referred to in section 3(b) are authorized to erect upon the Capitol Grounds such stage, sound amplification devices, and other related structures and equipment, as may be required for the Memorial Service and Exhibition. SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS.

The Capitol Police Board shall provide for enforcement of the restrictions contained in section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, concerning sales, advertisements, displays, and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as well as other restrictions applicable to the Capitol Grounds, in connection with the events.

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Mr. PERRY. Con. Res. 15.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have introduced this resolution along with Ranking Member Titus of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

This resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 42nd Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Event to honor law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

These men and women put on their uniforms each day to serve and protect our communities and our families.

Violent crime continues to be a daily tragedy in this country, and we have seen it, as a matter of fact, again today.

It is critical that we recognize that police officers are doing an extremely difficult and dangerous job day in, day out, 365 days a year, to keep Americans safe.

To all the law enforcement officers who put on the badge each day, who wear it with honor and distinction, we say thank you, and we support you.

This resolution is just one small way we can demonstrate our support for these officers and their families and honor the men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2022, including, unfortunately, 19 individuals from my home State of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this resolution and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I reiterate not only my support but my thanks to the gentlewoman from Nevada for her support of H. Con. Res. 15. And most importantly, for my thanks and support for the men and women who put their lives on the line each day to protect our communities and families.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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