National Police Week
‘These officers put themselves in harm’s way to defend our communities every day, and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding National Police Week and the nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Jeffrey Rosen:
“This week marks National Police Week, an annual celebration in honor of the men and women who serve in local, state, and federal law enforcement across the country. We are all safer because of their efforts, and this week is an important reminder of their continuing service and sacrifice on our behalf — each and every day.
“Traveling from across the country, thousands of law enforcement officers gather in our nation’s capital each year to mark this occasion. They come here to recommit themselves to the peace and safety of our communities and to show respect for their fallen brothers and sisters in uniform who've made the ultimate sacrifice. We are honored to have them here in Washington and to join them in recognizing these officers. I would like to pay special tribute to the brave men and women who protect and serve my home state of Kentucky. These officers put themselves in harm’s way to defend our communities every day, and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.
“Today, we also remember those officers from the Bluegrass State who tragically fell in the line of duty. First, I want to pay tribute to Officer Nick Rodman of the Louisville Metro Police Department. Officer Rodman unfortunately passed away after a car crash in Louisville while responding to calls of shots fired. He was 30 years old and had served in the department for three years. The Rodman family maintains a strong tradition in law enforcement, and he proudly continued that legacy. The many individuals Officer Rodman touched over the course of his life will remember his compassion, patience, and dedication to family.
“I’d like to also pay tribute to Officer Charles Howley of the Oldham County Police Department. The day before his death, Officer Howley responded to a call reporting smoke in a day care center. While ensuring all of the children and employees had evacuated, Officer Howley was exposed to a refrigerant. The next day, he suffered a fatal heart attack. Officer Howley was 51 years old and dedicated 20 years of service to his department and his community. Officers Nick Rodman and Charles Howley displayed courage and heroism, and their service will not soon be forgotten.
“I would also like to take a moment to thank the men and women of the United States Capitol Police who stand guard here at the heart of our democracy. They protect the nation’s legislature, the people who work here, and the millions of visitors who travel here to see our government in action. We are grateful for their diligence and their service. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the Senate family’s gratitude to law enforcement officers across the nation. As we welcome so many of them to the capital this week, I would like to reiterate our admiration for their honorable and dangerous work. We live in a safer society because of their brave efforts, and I am glad that we are able to take this opportunity today to thank them for their service.
“On another matter entirely… later today, Senators will vote to advance another well-qualified nominee, Jeffrey Rosen to be the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation. Mr. Rosen has extensive experience serving at both the Office of Management and Budget and at the Department of Transportation. When he last came before the Senate to be the Chief Legal Officer of the Department of Transportation, he was confirmed by voice vote. It’s disappointing that we had to file cloture on this bipartisan choice this time around.
“Mr. Rosen’s work in both the private and public sectors has given him a unique insight into the budgetary and regulatory challenges that infrastructure projects face. I look forward to the Senate advancing his nomination this afternoon.”
Related Issues: Homeland Security, Infrastructure
Next Previous
