CSPAN_05-11-2016_12.07.09

The gentleman from Illinois is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Police Week, a week we set aside to thank the 780,000 police officers who put on a badge nationwide and risk their lives to protect our communities. We thank them for their brave service. Our police officers play an essential role in our community—working to keep us safe, upholding the rule of law, and responding to emergencies. The 18th district of Illinois is home to many upstanding, honorable, courageous, and self-sacrificing police officers. Mr. Speaker, we also take this time to mourn the loss of our fallen officers whose lives were lost in the line of duty. On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 61 hours. That’s why I am proud to support a measure on the floor this week to extend the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program through fiscal year 2020. We need to ensure our officers have the necessary equipment to keep them safe. Just this winter, south Jacksonville, Illinois in my district grieved the loss one of its very own police officers in the line of duty. I also want to take this time to thank their support network that supports our police officers —their families, parents, wives, husbands, and children for the sacrifices they make when their loved ones serve as police officers. Let us show our men and women who wear the badge how much we value their crucial work.