U.S. lawmakers have come together to pay tribute to law enforcement officers across the country during National Police Week. Representative Steve Scalise, House Minority Whip, delivered a heartfelt speech on the House Floor, thanking the brave men and women in uniform for their service and sacrifice.
Scalise recounted the harrowing experience of the shooting incident at a Congressional baseball practice in 2017, where he was gravely injured and Capitol Police officers David Bailey and Crystal Griner put their lives on the line to save him and his colleagues. He praised the bravery and heroism of all law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to keep their communities safe.
The Representative acknowledged that law enforcement officers take an oath to serve and protect their communities, and that they never know when they might face danger. He emphasized the importance of having their backs every single day and urged everyone to take a moment to thank them for their service.
Scalise also spoke about the need to pass a series of bipartisan bills during National Police Week that would honor law enforcement officers and support them in various ways. He expressed concern about the Defund The Police movement, pointing out that it was still out there and that it was important to stand up against attacks on law enforcement.
Scalise also highlighted the issue of de facto defunding of the police, with some prosecutors failing to enforce laws and allowing offenders to walk free. He cited the example of a bill passed in D.C. that ensured that those who committed violent crimes would not walk out of jail the next day. The Representative noted that the D.C. police chief had stated that for every person caught who committed murder, that person had committed 11 other crimes before.
Scalise concluded his speech by expressing his gratitude to the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities. He called on everyone to back them as they did their job to back us and never forget those families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. The Representative stated that he, for one, would continue to pray for the safety of all law enforcement officers across the country.
National Police Week is a time to honor and remember law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to show appreciation to those who continue to serve and protect our communities. The U.S. Congress and lawmakers across the country are paying tribute to these brave men and women who risk their lives every day to keep us safe.