Capitol Police Memorial Plaque Mandated for Western Front within 30 Days

This Concurrent Resolution directs the Architect of the Capitol to install a permanent honorific plaque on the western front of the U.S. Capitol building. The purpose is straightforward: to recognize the law enforcement officers who responded to the violence that occurred at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The bill is specific, mandating that this plaque must be installed within 30 days of the resolution’s adoption, and it must comply with existing legislative rules for such installations (SEC. 1).

The Roll Call of Honor

This isn't just a general thank-you note; it’s a detailed recognition. The plaque is required to list the names of all officers who responded that day. This includes personnel from the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD). Crucially, it also extends the honor to any other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies or protective entities that showed up to help (SEC. 1, “Who Gets Honored”). For the officers involved, this means permanent, visible recognition at one of the nation’s most prominent locations. For the public, it establishes a physical, historical record of the defense of the Capitol.

Logistics and Location

The directive is clear about the timeline and placement: the plaque must go up within 30 days and be situated in a permanent location on the western front of the Capitol. This tight turnaround means the Architect of the Capitol’s team will have to move fast on design, procurement, and installation. Since the bill is highly specific about the location and the list of names, there's little room for interpretation, which keeps the process focused. The main practical challenge will be compiling a comprehensive, accurate list of every officer from every responding agency—Federal, State, and local—to ensure no one is missed, but the intent is clearly to be inclusive.