WASHINGTON D.C. —Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) released the following statement in recognition of National Police Week:

“This week, I am honored to help welcome law enforcement officers from all over the country to our nation’s capital in observance of National Police Week. Amid evolving threats to our public safety and homeland security, dedicated and courageous law enforcement officers risk their lives to protect our communities every day. In service to this oath, many officers have fallen in the line of duty and many more bear scars they will carry for their lifetimes. My prayers remain with these officers and their loved ones.
 
“For many years, law enforcement warned this Committee that anti-police rhetoric and a historic border crisis hindered their mission and harmed force morale. Now, with new leadership in the White House and borders that are once again secure, I look forward to turning the tide and continuing our work to ensure the federal government is a valuable partner for state and local law enforcement. This week and every week, I am grateful to our men and women in law enforcement.”

The House Committee on Homeland Security is proud to have two former members of law enforcement, Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO), serving on the Committee. 

Watch Rep. Clay Higgins’ remarks here and read highlights below.

“In 1988, I joined the Army; [I] wanted to be a military police officer. I went through basic and AIT in 1989. That worked out pretty well for me. I enjoyed my time in the service as an MP and I was enlisted. By the time I left the Army, six years later, I was a Staff Sergeant. Later in life I became a civilian cop. I’ve gravitated towards tactical services. I was a SWAT cop for many years and ultimately that journey, by God’s mystery and His grace, led me to serve in Congress. I continue to be a POST certified peace officer now through the Louisiana State Attorney General’s office. I maintain my certification and still consider myself a cop. Outside this office, your office, here in Congress is the only thin blue line flag on Capitol Hill… I’m honored to be a brother of the thin blue line. You can always consider my office at your avail and more importantly, you can always think of me as just a cop, doing his best to honor the oath, to wear the badge, to protect and serve, to love and support my community and my fellow man. I appreciate you all, God bless you. You are not alone.”

Watch Rep. Gabe Evans’ remarks here and read highlights below.

“Before I made it to Congress, I served for over 10 years as a police officer in the Denver Metro area. What I saw as a cop informs what I do every day in Congress. In fact, it’s why I still wear my police boots. They’re on their third set of soles, but my morning routine hasn’t changed. Every day when I get up, I’m reminded why I’m here and the good work that we need to do in Congress to support safe communities and our men and women who are on the front lines. It’s why I’m so honored to serve on the Homeland Security Committee because that is the committee where we’re able to make good policies that [allow] the federal, state, and local environment to be able to equip our men and women to keep us safe. During police week, we remember the sacrifices of law enforcement, both the fallen who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who are still living, who are keeping the watch from here. And of course, their family members, who support their law enforcement officers. So, from the bottom of my heart to all of our men and women in blue, thank you.”

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