National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2196, offered by my colleague, Representative Hudson of North Carolina, which provides the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation with a straightforward extension to establish the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial right here in Washington, D.C.

This is a deeply meaningful and important project that deserves our full support. Congress first authorized the establishment of this memorial in 2018, and the foundation's work to finalize its design and construction is almost complete.

Unfortunately, the initial 7-year authorization recently expired. Today, this bill allows us to take the simple step and let the foundation continue its work to honor the service and sacrifice of the medical emergency service community for generations to come.

Every year, EMS providers around the Nation respond to millions of calls, ranging from health emergencies to mass shootings. Whether they serve at the Federal, State, local, private, volunteer, military, or Tribal level, these brave men and women are dedicated to commitment and service.

The memorial will be a small token of our appreciation for those who help others when they need it most. It is the least we can do to give to these heroes, who serve our communities around the Nation and across the globe, a place of honor in our Nation's Capital.

I look forward to the completion of this meaningful memorial, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

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Ms. ELFRETH. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical and timely piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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