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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 73, legislation introduced by myself and Representative Perry.

This resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for events related to the 45th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service on May 15, 2026.

The National Fraternal Order of Police will host this event to honor the Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the year 2025.

In my home State of Arizona, we honor Officer Gabriel Facio of the Apache Junction Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty in June 2025.

Officer Facio served with the Apache Junction Police Department for nearly 4 years and had previously served as an officer in the city of Phoenix. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, parents, and a grandchild.

Last month, we lost two more Arizona heroes. State Trooper Hunter Bennett was killed in a helicopter crash alongside his pilot, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Robert Skankey, while responding to an active shooter incident.

Trooper Bennett was just 28 years old and was married to his high school sweetheart, Breanna. He graduated top of his class from the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy after graduating magna cum laude from Arizona State University.

Pilot Skankey retired from the United States Marine Corps after 22 highly decorated years. He went on to join the Arizona Department of Public Safety, serving as an aviation supervisor. He leaves behind his wife, Tjiske, and four children. Their service and sacrifice remind us that the dangers our law enforcement officers face are real and they are ever-present.

We honor Officer Facio, Trooper Bennett, Pilot Skankey, and all officers throughout the country for their sacrifices and devotion to protecting our communities.

In addition to the families and friends of the deceased, event organizers expect 25,000 police officers from around the country to be in attendance.

Additionally, this resolution authorizes the use of Capitol grounds for the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Expedition on May 14, 2026.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bipartisan resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I support H. Con. Res. 73. At a time of hyperpartisanship in this body, it is good that we can come together unanimously in a bipartisan way to support the law enforcement officers and their families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in support of their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 73, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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