Resolution Honors Capitol Police and Personnel Five Years After Attack; Notes Delay in Plaque Installation

This resolution is purely commemorative, marking the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It’s essentially a formal declaration of gratitude and recognition, focusing on the people who kept the legislative branch functioning during and immediately after the crisis.

The core of the resolution is a series of Findings detailing the violence of the day: attackers assaulted law enforcement for nearly five hours, resulting in over 100 officers injured and contributing to the deaths of five officers. It specifically notes that the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were awarded Congressional Gold Medals for their service.

The Recognition Roll Call

Unlike a bill that changes law or appropriates money, this resolution acts like a collective thank you note from Congress. It expresses deep gratitude for the USCP, the MPD, and all responding law enforcement officers for their bravery. Crucially, it extends this recognition beyond the police to include the often-unseen workforce: the Capitol custodial, janitorial, maintenance, and food services staff.

Why mention them? The resolution finds that their work was essential in allowing the Senate to return to its constitutional duty of certifying the electoral votes that same night. For the everyday person, this highlights that government function relies on everyone, from the officer on the line to the person cleaning up the mess afterward. It’s a formal recognition that the entire support staff is vital to keeping the lights on and the process moving.

The Unfinished Business

One finding in the resolution points to a bureaucratic snag that might resonate with anyone waiting on a delayed project. It notes that the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 directed that a plaque be placed on the western front of the Capitol to honor the police forces. However, the resolution states that nearly four years after that law was passed (Public Law 117-103), the Speaker of the House has not allowed the completed plaque to be installed. While the resolution itself doesn’t mandate the plaque’s installation, it uses this official document to put a spotlight on the administrative delay, making a point about follow-through on previous commitments.

Reaffirming Commitment

Finally, the resolution reaffirms Congress’s commitment to protect against efforts to undermine democracy and to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the legislative branch. For busy people, this resolution is a statement of institutional memory and appreciation. It doesn't change your taxes or your commute, but it serves as a formal, documented acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by public servants—police and support staff alike—to ensure that the government continued to operate under duress.