Honoring and commemorating the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police on July 24, 1998.

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

I rise today in support of H. Res. 1360, which would honor and commemorate the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police.

It is hard to believe that it has already been 10 years since the tragic chain of events that took the lives of two heroes, Jacob Joseph Chestnut and John Gibson, who were killed in the line of duty when a deranged gunman stormed this very building on July 24, 1998. And how well I remember that day. I had just left the Capitol, gone to the airport to fly back to Michigan, and as I entered the airport building, I saw on TV the ambulances, the gentlemen being carried out, and what a sad event that was.

Jacob Joseph Chestnut, who was affectionately known as ``J.J.,'' was an 18-year veteran of the Capitol Police force, just months away from retirement. A husband and father of five and a Vietnam vet, Chestnut was remembered at the time of his passing to have been extremely proud to be able to continue to serve his country by working in the United States Capitol. After a 20-year career in the Air Force, he carried his discipline and military training with him to Congress when he joined the Capitol Police in 1980, but

was also known for his big smile and warm demeanor.

John Gibson, who was stationed outside the office of then House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, was also a husband and father of three and an 18-year veteran of the Capitol Police. He was a die-hard fan of all of Boston's sports teams and often requested a copy of the Boston Globe from the whip's office to see how his teams had done. He had become extremely close to Representative DeLay's staff and in the end saved their lives through his selfless act of heroism. He was remembered for tirelessly accompanying the Congressman even when the day would stretch into night, until his job was done.

This bill is only a small tribute to those two exceptional men who gave their lives in defense of their country. We owe them a great debt, and in honoring their memory, we honor all those Capitol Police officers who routinely put themselves in harm's way to protect us each day.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1360.

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 resolution (H. Res. 1360) honoring and commemorating the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police on July 24, 1998.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, 10 years ago on July 24, 1998, a gunman entered the Capitol and shot to death two Capitol Police officers, Detective John Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Chestnut. As they lay in honor in the rotunda, Congress and the whole community mourned the loss of the men who gave their lives defending the Capitol.

Madam Speaker, we continue to mourn the loss of these fine, dedicated members of our Capitol community. At the 10th anniversary of that tragic day, we commemorate the passing of Private Chestnut and Detective Gibson. We honor their memories and once again offer the House's condolences to their widows and to their families.

I thank our colleague from Maryland (Ms. Edwards) for introducing this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, once again I thank the gentlewoman from Maryland for introducing this resolution remembering these brave officers and their families. It is important that we remember their sacrifice, and I urge an ``aye'' vote.

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