Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 96) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, as an aside, it is a pleasure to be here this morning again and see the House presided over by a cagey veteran from the Fifth District of Washington.

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 96 authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for the 22nd Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service to be held on May 15, 2003. The service will be held on the West Front of the Capitol grounds and is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary.

The event is open to the public and free of charge, and the sponsor assumes responsibility for all expenses and liabilities related to the event. Additionally, the sponsors of the event must comply with all applicable regulations relating to the use of the Capitol grounds.

This memorial service honors 161 peace officers that have given their lives in the line of duty during the year 2002. Officers gave their lives protecting every State in the Union. This service will honor, and I would like to recognize at this time, four peace officers killed in the line of duty in my home State of Ohio during last year.

Deputy Sheriff Robert Michael Tanner, of the Muskingum County Sheriff's Department, shot and killed on January 8;

Patrolman Eric Bradford Taylor, of the Massillon Police Department, shot and killed on August 9;

Officer Mary Lynn Beall, of the Dayton Police Department, shot and killed on August 25;

And Park Ranger James Pitney of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, killed on December 17.

Each of those officers, Mr. Speaker, was killed while protecting their community.

This memorial service is a very important event. I encourage all of our colleagues to attend this service in honor of our fallen heroes. I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 96 authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for the 22nd Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, a most solemn and respectful public event honoring our Nation's brave civil servants.

The event, scheduled for May 15th, will be coordinated with the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Hill police. I strongly urge this tribute to Federal, State and local police officers who gave their lives in the daily work of protecting our families, our homes, our places of work and us.

The names of 377 brave men and women were added to the wall during 2002. On average, one officer is killed in this country every other day, approximately 23,000 are injured every year, and thousands are assaulted going about their daily routines. During 2002, 15 of the fallen officers were women, which is a record high.

Mr. Speaker, the ceremony to be held on May 15th is the 22nd anniversary of this memorial service. Consistent with all Capitol Hill events, the memorial service will be free and open to the public.

I support the resolution, and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this tribute to our fallen peace officers.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my full support for House Concurrent Resolution 96, authorizing the use of the Capital Grounds for the 22nd Annual Peace Officers' Memorial Service.

My own State of Alaska lost a peace officer during 2002 who will be remembered at this ceremony.

On November 19, 2002, while transporting prisoners to Spring Creek Correctional Center, Correctional Officer James Hesterberg was killed when the vehicle he was driving was struck head-on by a tractor trailer on the Seward Highway about 20 miles north of Seward, Alaska. A correctional officer for 19 years, he is survived by his wife and three children.

This service, honoring the 152 men and women who lost their lives while protecting our Nation, is a part of police week, which features events including a ``Blue Mass'' at St. Patrick's Catholic Church; Law Ride Motorcycle Procession; and a candlelight vigil, which will be held at 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday May 13.

I encourage my colleagues to support these important events, which honor not only the men and women who gave their lives while protecting our country, but the thousands of others that continue to do so.

I support this resolution and encourage my colleagues to give it their full support.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H. Con. Res. 53 and H. Con. Res. 96, en bloc.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolutions be agreed to, en bloc, and that the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, en bloc, with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the following bills: H.R. 874, H.R. 866, H. Con. Res. 53 and H. Con. Res. 96.