Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

Bill Number

H.Con.Res. 9

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Passed Senate

Latest Action

2025-05-01: Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T15:23:27Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This concurrent resolution authorizes the use of the U.S. Capitol Grounds for two public events sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary. The events honor law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2024 and showcase related demonstrations, continuing an annual tradition.

Key Provisions

• Memorial Service Authorization: Permits the 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service on May 15, 2025 (or a date jointly set by the Speaker of the House and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration). Preparation begins May 9, 2025, with takedown by May 16, 2025.
• Exhibition Authorization: Allows the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition on May 14, 2025 (or a jointly designated date), featuring law enforcement honor guard programs and bagpipe performances.
• Event Conditions: Events must be free of charge, open to the public, and arranged to avoid interfering with congressional activities. Sponsors bear all costs and liabilities.
• Structures and Equipment: Sponsors may erect stages, sound systems, and related setups on the Capitol Grounds, subject to approval by the Architect of the Capitol.
• Enforcement: The Capitol Police Board enforces rules against sales, advertisements, displays, and solicitations on the grounds (per 40 U.S.C. § 5104(c)), along with other applicable restrictions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend or alter any statutes. As a concurrent resolution, it provides specific, one-time permission for these events under existing Capitol Grounds regulations, without creating new legal obligations or rights.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Architect of the Capitol and Capitol Police Board gain oversight responsibilities for approvals, enforcement, and logistics, potentially requiring temporary resource allocation but no long-term changes.
• Citizens: Enables free public access to commemorative events, fostering community awareness and tribute to law enforcement without financial burden on taxpayers (as sponsors cover costs).
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the events are domestic and focused on U.S. law enforcement.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• National Fraternal Order of Police and Auxiliary: Primary sponsors, responsible for organizing, funding, and executing the events.
• Capitol Oversight Entities: Architect of the Capitol (for structure approvals) and Capitol Police Board (for security and rule enforcement).
• Congressional Leadership: Speaker of the House and Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, who designate dates and ensure non-interference with legislative work.
• Public and Law Enforcement Community: Attendees and honorees' families benefit from the public platform for remembrance.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces administrative flexibility for Capitol Grounds use under federal property laws (e.g., 40 U.S.C. § 5104), ensuring events comply with free speech and assembly rights while maintaining security. No challenges to existing restrictions on commercial activities.
• Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment protections for public gatherings on federal grounds, as events are non-partisan and ceremonial.
• Political: Demonstrates congressional consensus (agreed to by both House and Senate) in supporting law enforcement memorials, potentially symbolizing national unity on public safety issues without partisan debate.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4]

Recent Actions

• 2025-05-01: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
• 2025-04-30: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2710)
• 2025-04-30: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-04-08: Received in the Senate.
• 2025-04-07: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-04-07: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1429)
• 2025-04-07: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1429)
• 2025-04-07: DEBATE - The House resumed debate on H. Con. Res. 9.
• 2025-04-07: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 9.
• 2025-04-07: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1429-1430)
• 2025-04-07: Mr. Perry moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
• 2025-03-25: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 13.
• 2025-03-25: Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-39.
• 2025-03-25: Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-39.
• 2025-02-26: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

Bill Versions

• Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. — issued 2025-04-07 — PDF (6 pages)
• Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. — issued 2025-04-30 — PDF (2 pages)
• Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. — issued 2025-02-06 — PDF (4 pages)
• Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. — issued 2025-04-08 — PDF (4 pages)
• Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. — issued 2025-03-25 — PDF (6 pages)