Capitol Grounds to Host Police Tributes in May 2025; Resolution Also Outlines 2050 Net-Zero Climate Goals

This latest resolution from Congress is a bit of a two-for-one deal. First, it gives the green light for a couple of significant commemorative events on the U.S. Capitol Grounds next spring. Second, it lays out Congress's official opinion—what's known as a "Sense of Congress"—on some ambitious climate change targets, including aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Honoring Officers on the Hill: Events Get the Official Nod

Get ready to see some activity around the Capitol in May 2025. This resolution specifically permits the National Fraternal Order of Police to hold its 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service. This event, honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during 2024, is slated for Wednesday, May 15, 2025, on the Capitol Grounds. Preparations can kick off as early as May 9, with everything needing to be cleared out by May 16. Right before that, on Tuesday, May 14, 2025, the same organization and its auxiliary can host the "National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition," a showcase of law enforcement honor guard programs and bagpipe performances.

So, what does this mean practically? According to Section 3, both events must be free and open to the public—so if you're in the D.C. area, you could potentially attend. They also need to be organized so they don't mess with the day-to-day business of Congress. Crucially, the bill states the sponsors (the National Fraternal Order of Police) are on the hook for all expenses and any liabilities. Section 4 allows them to set up necessary gear like stages and sound systems, with the Architect of the Capitol's approval. And, as per Section 5, the Capitol Police Board will be enforcing the usual rules about sales, ads, and solicitations on the grounds, as laid out in section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, which basically keeps commercial activity off the Capitol Grounds during these events.

Charting a Greener Course: Congress Signals Climate Ambitions

Now for the other major piece of this resolution: it expresses Congress's opinion on climate change. It's important to catch that this is a "Sense of Congress," which means it’s a formal statement of position or sentiment, but it's not a law that creates new mandates or programs on its own. Think of it as Congress putting its thoughts on record.

The resolution states Congress believes the U.S. should commit to hitting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It also suggests that U.S. policies should treat climate change as a serious threat to national security, our infrastructure, and the economy. To get there, it calls for developing a national strategy focused on creating jobs, protecting vulnerable communities, investing in infrastructure and clean energy, and boosting American exports of clean tech.

What else is on this climate wish list? The resolution says the President should rejoin the Paris Agreement, gather world leaders for a climate summit to boost global efforts, and work with other nations on the Paris Agreement's goals. It also suggests Congress itself should pass laws to reach that 2050 net-zero target, including things like incentives for clean energy, infrastructure investments, and support for workers and communities transitioning to a clean energy economy. Again, these are recommendations and goals, not direct actions taken by this specific resolution. It’s about setting a direction for future policy debates and potential legislation.