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. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 73) 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. 73

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

(a) In General.--The National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary shall be permitted to sponsor a public event, the 45th 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 2025.

(b) Date of Memorial Service.--The Memorial Service shall be held on May 15, 2026, 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 7, 2026, and takedown completed on May 17, 2026. SEC. 2. USE OF THE CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR NATIONAL HONOR GUARD AND PIPE BAND EXHIBITION.

(a) In General.--The National 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, 2026, 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. TAYLOR. Con. Res. 73.

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Mr. TAYLOR.

Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 73 authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for the 45th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial event.

I am proud to continue the long tradition of supporting the Fraternal Order of Police in honoring the law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2025.

Law enforcement officers across the country put their lives on the line every day to help keep us safe. There were 17 officers killed in Ohio in 2025.

Last year, I paid my respects to Deputy Larry Ray Henderson from Union Township, Ohio, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.

Larry joined the ranks of those who courageously made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our communities. I also recognize Officer Larry Cox from Chillicothe and Officer Dave Poling who did the same. I am humbled to honor their legacies today.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to the police officers who continue to serve despite the risk they face every day.

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

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank Subcommittee Chairman Perry for his continued leadership on this important piece of legislation. The memorial service authorized in H. Con. Res. 73 is one we here in Congress can ensure the men and women who put their lives on the line every day are honored and that those who have made the ultimate sacrifice receive the recognition they so justly deserve.

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

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