HCONRES9-119

What This Bill Does

This concurrent resolution authorizes two law-enforcement memorial events on the Capitol Grounds in May 2025. It permits the National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary to sponsor the 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service on May 15, 2025, or another date jointly designated by the House Speaker and Senate Rules and Administration Committee, with preparation beginning May 9 and takedown completed May 16. The service honors law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during 2024. It also permits the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition on May 14, 2025, or another jointly designated date, so law enforcement representatives can demonstrate Honor Guard programs and provide a bagpipe exhibition. Subject to Architect of the Capitol approval, sponsors may erect stages, sound amplification devices, and related structures and equipment needed for the events.

Who Benefits and How

The National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary benefit because they receive congressional authorization to hold the memorial service and exhibition on the Capitol Grounds. Families and colleagues of officers killed in the line of duty during 2024 benefit from a public national memorial event. Law enforcement Honor Guard and pipe band participants benefit from authorization to demonstrate their programs at the Capitol. Members of the public benefit because the events provide a formal commemoration of fallen officers. The Architect of the Capitol benefits from explicit approval authority over event structures and equipment.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Architect of the Capitol must review and approve event structures, sound equipment, and related preparations. Event sponsors must organize preparation, staging, sound amplification, and takedown within the authorized dates. Capitol operations staff and Capitol Police must accommodate the events while protecting the Capitol Grounds and congressional operations. Congress bears the procedural responsibility for authorizing use of the grounds.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service on the Capitol Grounds.
• Authorizes the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition on the Capitol Grounds.
• Allows alternative event dates jointly designated by House and Senate officials.
• Permits preparation beginning May 9, 2025 and takedown completed by May 16, 2025.
• Authorizes stages, sound amplification, and related structures subject to Architect of the Capitol approval.
• Focuses the memorial service on officers who died in the line of duty during 2024.