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

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

Madam Speaker, it is an absolute privilege and thrill for me to take this opportunity to cosponsor this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I am a Sigma Chi. My father was a Sigma Chi. My next younger brother is a Sigma Chi. And each of our three sons are Sigma Chis. So this moment, when we honor the fraternity of our choice on the occasion of the 150th anniversary, it has added meaning to me and to us.

I also wish to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gerlach) for introducing this resolution, which is cosponsored by other Sigma Chis, the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr), the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley), the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Pickering), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Schwarz), the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), as well as me.

I also wish to thank the Education and Workforce Committee and the House leaderships for bringing this resolution to the House floor so very quickly.

Sigma Chi Fraternity was established by its seven founders on commencement day at Miami University June 28, 1855. These seven young men broke away from the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity to form ``an association for the development of the nobler powers of the mind, the finer feelings of the heart, and for the promotion of friendship and congeniality of feeling.''

In 1951, I had the opportunity to pledge this fraternity at the University of Missouri at Columbia, and from that time on I have been aware of the many outstanding members of our fraternity through the years, people like Andy Grabau, people like John Wayne, Larry McMullen, Ed Matheny, Herbert Shouse Jones, John Alden Tower, Governor James Blair and so many, many others.

Sigma Chi currently has 202,600 active brothers in 219 active chapters at colleges and universities in two countries.

It is one of the most highly respected and well-regarded national fraternities in the world. It also encompasses not just our country, but the country of Canada.

Sigma Chi brothers continue to enrich and contribute to the quality of life in their communities.

Perhaps tie something in regard to the House of Representatives to the people working together with their colleagues in which they learn of good character and fair ability and ambitious purposes, congenial dispositions, good morals, a high sense of honor and a deep sense of personal responsibility. All of this has added to our country.

The history of Sigma Chi is long and interesting. Being founded in 1855 at Oxford, Ohio, it went through the War Between the States and went through the First World War where 103 brothers of the fraternity lost their lives and gave the full measure of devotion to World War I. It also went through the Second World War where so many members of the fraternity fought, some who died and some who were missing. One who received the Medal of Honor, a Captain Maurice Britt from Arkansas received such an honor.

On a more personal level, the chapter to which I belong at the University of Missouri in Columbia was founded on September 26, 1896. At that time one of the founders, a former brigadier general in the Union Army, Benjamin Piatt Runkle, who, by the way, is buried over here at Arlington Cemetery, gave a speech to that crowd and to those new fraternity members. In that speech he spoke to them by saying, you are the offspring of the grandest civilization the world has ever seen. High places are vacant, and men filled with a fraternal spirit must take them. Go forward, faithful, patient, courageous and obedient, ever remembering that the hope of the Nation is in her young men, and that behind the great unknown stands God keeping watch over his own. And what Benjamin Piatt Runkle said on that day in September 1896 in Columbia, Missouri, is just as true today.

So it is a real privilege and honor for me to cosponsor and represent this side of the aisle in honoring the Sigma Chi Fraternity on the occasion of its 150th anniversary, which will be celebrated on the 24th and 25th of this month in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Sigma Chi Fraternity: A Historical Perspective

1855--Sigma Chi Fraternity is founded at Miami University,

Oxford, Ohio

1861--During the Civil War, 265 of the 432 total Sigma Chi

membership (That's 60%) fight in the conflict. Of this

number, 147 were in the Union forces, and 118 were with the

Confederacy.

1861--``ln Hoc Signo Vinces,'' a secret motto since 1856,

becomes the official public motto.

1870--The eighth Grand Chapter, held in Philadelphia,

adopts blue and gold as the fraternity's colors. These colors

are now standardized as Blue and Old Gold.

1881--The Fraternity's first magazine, ``The Sigma Chi'' is

established under the supervision of the Theta Chapter at

Gettysburg College, Pennsylvania. In 1926 it became ``The

magazine of Sigma Chi.''

1882--Delegates of the 14th Grand Chapter, held in Chicago,

elect John S. McMillim, DePauw 1867, as the first Grand

Consul.

1893--Honorary Sigma Chi, President Grover Cleveland, is

initiated on January 26. He is the only Sigma Chi to have

held the office of President of the United States.

1911--``The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi'' song was written in

June for the 25th Anniversary Reunion of Alpha Pi Chapter at

Albion College, Michigan. Byron D. Stokes, 1913, wrote the

words in one afternoon in class. He then

gave them to F. Dudleigh Vernor, 1914, who set them to music

1914--The Fraternity adds 103 Brothers to its Fraternity

Gold Star Honor Roll for giving their last full measure of

devotion during World War I.

1922--After 67 years as a national organization, Sigma Chi

becomes international when it installs the Beta Omega Chapter

at the University of Toronto on April 22.

1929--L.G. Balfour, Indiana 1907, establishes the Balfour

Award, the highest undergraduate honor in the fraternity. The

annual award recognizes the most outstanding graduating

senior of each undergraduate chapter, province and

International Fraternity of that Academic Year.

1929--Past Grand Consul George Ade, Purdue 1887, writes

``The Sigma Chi Creed''

1935--The Fraternity creates the Significant Sig Award.

This award would be presented at Grand Chapter to alumni

whose achievements brought honor and prestige to the

Fraternity. Seven Medals were presented at the 42nd Grand

Chapter held in Chicago.

1942--Several thousand Sigs, stationed all over the world,

serve in the Armed Forces during World War II. Congressional

Medal of Honor winner Captain Maurice L. Britt, Arkansas,

1941, becomes the war's most decorated United States Officer.

During the War the Fraternity lost 724 members, seven times

as many as it lost in World War 1.

1948--Sigma Chi commences the Order of Constantine, the

fraternity's highest honor, which is bestowed upon alumni

members who have devoted long and distinguished service to

Sigma Chi

1955--The Fraternity celebrates its Centennial in June 28

in Oxford, Ohio, as a part of the 50th Grand Chapter, which

met in Cincinnati.

1971--The Grand Chapter marks the climax and resolution of

the nearly 15 years of internal strife in the Fraternity over

the proposed initiation of minority groups. Grand Chapter

delegates voted to remove the restrictive passages in the

Fraternity's Governing Laws, validating earlier actions of

the Executive Committee and granting active chapters

increased autonomy in membership selection.

1977--The Fraternity recorded its 150,000 initiate.

2001--Eleven Sigma Chis die in the September 11th terrorist

attacks on the United States.

2005--Grand Consul Lee Beauchamp announces the Fraternity's

zero tolerance policy for hazing, alcohol abuse, and

substance abuse. The Executive Committee approves a new

statement of Position on Academic Performance. Among other

provisions, it requires members to attain a GPA of 2.5 out of

4.0 (or the equivalent), or a GPA that is above the campus'

all-men's average, whichever is lower.

2005--Sigma Chi celebrates its 150th birthday with a grand

celebration in Cincinnati.

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

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

Madam Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 136 authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for the 24th 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 15, will be coordinated by the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Hill Police.

This is a fitting tribute to the Federal, State, and local police officers who gave their lives while protecting our families, our homes, and our places of work. This year, 153 names will be added to the memorial wall, including nine women who were killed in the line of duty. These fallen heroes served an average of 12 years in law enforcement, with some serving as many as 40 years. Others, like one 20-year-old officer, had only just begun what he had hoped would be years of service to his community.

On average, one officer is killed in this country every other day, and approximately 23,000 are injured every year. And thousands more are assaulted while on duty. In 2004, seven law enforcement officers from the State of Pennsylvania were killed in the line of duty.

In the early morning hours of March 19, Philadelphia City Pretrial Warrant Supervisor Joseph LeClaire was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant in West Germantown to a man who had failed to appear in court during two trials, one for a drug charge, the second for a rape case. Officers Vincent Disandra and Carlo Delborrello were also shot and wounded during the encounter.

Shortly after 11 a.m. on March 31 in Bradford County, Deputy Sheriffs Christopher Burgert, who was 30, and Michael Vankuren, 36, were shot and killed while trying to serve two warrants to a man living in Wells Township.

In the early morning of April 20, Sergeant James Miller, a 28-year veteran of the Upper Dublin Police Department, died when his police vehicle rolled over during an accident.

And Police Chief Douglas Shertzer, a 23-year veteran of his department, was killed in a motorcycle accident on the morning of May 11 while en route to begin his patrol.

Patrolman Michael Wise II of Reading City Police Department was shot in the line of duty on the night of June 5 while searching for a murder suspect.

And, finally, Elk Lick Township Police Chief Sheridan Caton, 60, was killed in a head-on collision while responding to a request for a backup from a neighboring police department. The driver of the second vehicle was charged with driving while under the influence.

These public servants are sorely missed; and they deserve our deepest respect, and their families have our most sincere sympathies.

In October, 1962, President Kennedy declared May 15 as National Peace Officers' Memorial Day so that we could come together to honor the service and sacrifice of our Nation's law enforcement officers. This year's ceremony is the 24th 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 police officers and peace officers.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 163) honoring the Sigma Chi Fraternity on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 163.

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

I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 163 offered by my colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gerlach). House Concurrent Resolution 163 honors the Sigma Chi Fraternity on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.

The Sigma Chi Fraternity was founded in 1855 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, by seven young men that wanted to establish, and I quote, ``an association for the development of the nobler powers of the mind, the finer feelings of the heart, and for the promotion of friendship and congeniality of feeling,'' close quote.

Today the Sigma Chi Fraternity continues to thrive. Its membership has grown to 202,600 active brothers in 219 chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. Its members continue to enrich and contribute to the quality of life in their communities by volunteering countless hours of service to nonprofit activities and organizations at the national and local levels.

The members of Sigma Chi exemplify the characteristics that the founders of the fraternity believed they should have for admission to the fraternity, good character and fair ability with ambitious purposes, congenial disposition, good morals, a high sense of honor and a deep sense of personal responsibility.

The Sigma Chi Fraternity has also played an integral role in the positive development in the character and education of these young men that have served as a foundation for success and achievements in all fields of endeavor, from the sciences to education to business to professional athletes and to public service.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and honor the Sigma Chi Fraternity on the celebration of its 150th anniversary and commend the fraternity and its members for its service and achievements over the years.

I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 163.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I will be very brief. I just want to add my congratulations to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) on being a proud member of this fraternity. And it is exciting, I am sure, to see a father-to-son tradition established there. So I extend my congratulations to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and all my colleagues who are fortunate enough to be a member of this very great fraternity.

I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in support of the concurrent resolution. On May 15, 2005, America will observe National Peace Officers' Memorial Day and hold the National Memorial Service. We commemorate this day each year to honor the heroes of law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty. As the Ranking Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Capitol Police, the Library of Congress Police, and the Government Printing Office Police, this year's observance has additional significance for me. On this occasion, I rise to offer the tribute of the Californians I have the honor to represent, and my Committee's, as well as my own.

The need for such a memorial day arose in the earliest days of our republic. Since America's first line-of-duty death was recorded in 1792, more than 16,500 men and women have fallen, including three Capitol Police officers, one in 1984, and two in 1998. Nationwide, 153 officers died in the line of duty last year, 13 of them in California, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Thus, in 2004, somewhere in the United States a law-enforcement officer fell in the line of duty ever 57 hours.

I wish it were not so, Madam Speaker. We all wish it were not so. But at least 35 have already fallen in 2005, and still others will follow. If anyone among us could do anything to prevent even one more law- enforcement officer's death, we would surely do it. I certainly hope that this Congress, every state legislature, and every other policymaking body will do everything possible to prevent more such deaths.

Madam Speaker, as we pause on this year's National Peace Officers' Memorial Day to reflect upon the sacrifices made by the valiant men and women of law enforcement who have given their lives for our communities, let us resolve to cherish their memory on May 15 and every day. Let us also honor the brave men and women now working across this land who may, at any moment of any shift, give their lives to make us safe. Let us resolve to show them our respect and gratitude every day of the year. I urge all Members to vote for the resolution.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 163, honoring the Sigma Chi Fraternity on its 150th anniversary.

Like hundreds of thousands of men across the country I am honored to be a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Although I was a Sigma Chi at the University of Maryland, I share a strong bond with my brothers across the country and around the world, including my fellow Sigma Chi men in Congress. We are connected by the shared tenants of our fraternal organization and we try to live our life by the ``Jordan Standard''--the Cornerstone of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Sigma Chi played an important role in my personal development and provided me with relationships that will last a lifetime. These experiences are not unlike the experiences that millions of other men and women have had with their respective fraternities and sororities.

Although sometimes ridiculed, the Greek system on the whole--without question--has made countless positive contributions to society.

Many of our Nation's leaders, from those in business to those in public service, are members of fraternities or sororities, including our current President. The benefits to our communities from these individuals--whose first leadership and service experiences were often through their involvement with the Greek System--are immeasurable.

Furthermore, beyond planting the seeds of leadership, fraternities and sororities compel their members to conduct themselves in accordance to the highest standards of honor, morality, and academic excellence.

Since its inception in 1855 at Miami University in Oxford, OH, Sigma Chi has helped young boys develop into strong, well-rounded, Sigma Chi men. I am proud to be a part of this fine organization and I congratulate Sigma Chi on its 150th year anniversary. May its good deeds and reputation of excellence endure for the next 150 years.

I ask my colleagues to join me and the other original cosponsors, Representatives Gerlach, Farr, Hyde, Oxley, Pickering, Schwarz, Shuster, and Skelton, in support of this legislation.