Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 421
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07T16:45:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 421) honors Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It specifically recognizes Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, 2025, and commemorates 345 officers whose stories of sacrifice were documented in 2024. The document highlights their valor, dedication to justice, and commitment to constitutional and civil rights, while referencing existing laws like Public Law 87-726 (which established Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week) and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Key Provisions
- Preamble Recognition: Affirms the service of law enforcement officers, their oath to uphold public trust despite risks of violence, and the historical context of annual memorials established in 1962.
- List of Honorees: Names 345 specific officers killed in the line of duty, ranging from historical figures to more recent ones, whose records were recovered in 2024.
- Resolved Clauses:
- Acknowledges the need to remember and honor fallen officers and all law enforcement personnel.
- Expresses strong support for officers in maintaining safe communities.
- Recognizes the importance of providing officers with necessary equipment, training, and resources to ensure their safety while protecting the public.
- Praises the law enforcement community for ongoing acts of sacrifice and heroism.
- Offers condolences and appreciation to the families of fallen officers.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding House resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It builds on prior legislation, such as the 1962 Joint Resolution (36 U.S.C. 136), by reaffirming the annual observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week without altering legal requirements or authorities.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it may encourage federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to participate in memorial events, potentially boosting morale and recruitment efforts.
- On Citizens: Promotes public appreciation for law enforcement, fostering community support and awareness of officers' risks, which could indirectly improve trust and cooperation between police and the public.
- On International Relations: None, as the resolution is focused solely on U.S. domestic law enforcement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law Enforcement Officers and Agencies: Directly honored, with emphasis on their sacrifices and needs for better support.
- Families of Fallen Officers: Receive formal condolences and recognition, providing emotional validation.
- The Public: Beneficiaries of the resolution's call for safer communities and officer protection.
- Congress and Policymakers: Bipartisan cosponsors (over 20 members from both parties) demonstrate unified support, potentially influencing future funding or policy discussions on law enforcement resources.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No enforceable legal effects or constitutional challenges, as resolutions like this are symbolic expressions of the House and do not create binding obligations. It aligns with First Amendment protections for commemorative speech by Congress.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan unity on law enforcement issues, introduced by Rep. Guest with diverse cosponsors, which could signal political goodwill amid debates on policing reforms. It underscores ongoing national dialogue about officer safety without proposing new policies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (27)
Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Kelly, Trent [R-MS-1], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. Moore, Riley M. [R-WV-2], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-05-15: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (13 pages)