Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-05-12

HONORING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

Crime & Justice

Context

On 2026-05-12, Representative John H. Rutherford (R-FL-5) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3376-H3377] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK (Mr. RUTHERFORD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, as many of you know, this National Police Week is dedicated to the brave men and women of law enforcement who have fallen in the line of duty. As a lifelong law enforcement officer and a former sheriff, this day is both reflective and somber for me, my colleagues, and our law enforcement communities nationwide. Every day, our officers put on a gun and a badge and say good-bye to their loved ones, not knowing if they will return home again. They stand as a shield between the vulnerable, who they vow to protect, and those intent on doing harm. Last year alone, 111 officers sacrificed their lives in service to their communities. For this, we owe them a debt of gratitude, and I call on all of us [[Page H3377]] to live our lives worthy of their sacrifice. I have here with me and am proud to yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), my good friend and co-chair of the House bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus. Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman and Sheriff Rutherford for yielding. This week, law enforcement officers from across our country are gathering here in Washington for National Police Week. It is a time when we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities and our great country--the greatest country the world has ever known--and to commit ourselves to supporting those who serve us day in and day out. Every day, these men and women put on a vest and a badge, kiss their loved ones good-bye, and head out the door, not knowing whether they will be coming home. Their courage, selflessness, and commitment to safety will never be forgotten. To the families who carry the weight of this loss every day, we stand with them. We pray for them and remain forever grateful for their loved one's service. We must redouble our commitment to investing in law enforcement to make sure we protect our great country. I am very honored to be here with the co-chair of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus, Sheriff Rutherford, and with all of these Members who stand united in making sure we protect our great country. Please join me in a moment of silence to honor the fallen heroes of law enforcement. ____________________

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HONORING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3376-H3377] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK (Mr. RUTHERFORD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, as many of you know, this National Police Week is dedicated to the brave men and women of law enforcement who have fallen in the line of duty. As a lifelong law enforcement officer and a former sheriff, this day is both reflective and somber for me, my colleagues, and our law enforcement communities nationwide. Every day, our officers put on a gun and a badge and say good-bye to their loved ones, not knowing if they will return home again. They stand as a shield between the vulnerable, who they vow to protect, and those intent on doing harm. Last year alone, 111 officers sacrificed their lives in service to their communities. For this, we owe them a debt of gratitude, and I call on all of us [[Page H3377]] to live our lives worthy of their sacrifice. I have here with me and am proud to yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), my good friend and co-chair of the House bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus. Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman and Sheriff Rutherford for yielding. This week, law enforcement officers from across our country are gathering here in Washington for National Police Week. It is a time when we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities and our great country--the greatest country the world has ever known--and to commit ourselves to supporting those who serve us day in and day out. Every day, these men and women put on a vest and a badge, kiss their loved ones good-bye, and head out the door, not knowing whether they will be coming home. Their courage, selflessness, and commitment to safety will never be forgotten. To the families who carry the weight of this loss every day, we stand with them. We pray for them and remain forever grateful for their loved one's service. We must redouble our commitment to investing in law enforcement to make sure we protect our great country. I am very honored to be here with the co-chair of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus, Sheriff Rutherford, and with all of these Members who stand united in making sure we protect our great country. Please join me in a moment of silence to honor the fallen heroes of law enforcement. ____________________