On Wednesday, Jan. 6, during a joint session of congress, an attack occurred at the U.S. Capitol, resulting in a breach of the capitol complex and a great threat to the members and staff inside. There is no excuse for this behavior, and we as Americans must not tolerate it. The First Amendment is a cornerstone of American Democracy that so many before have exercised peacefully and successfully. Violence is never appropriate.

Throughout this threat, Capitol Police and all present law enforcement selflessly stood their ground in defense of the Capitol, members, and staff. You might have read about some of the officers who became heroes that day like Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who gave his life standing up to rioters, and Officer Eugene Goodman, who bravely and peacefully diverted individuals away from the Senate, saving countless lives.

I am proud to be a cosponsor of House Resolution 39, an effort to honor the bravery and self-sacrifice by officers of the United States Capitol Police and other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies during the Jan. 6 attack on the United States Capitol.

More than 50 U.S. Capitol Police officers and other officers sustained injuries during the attack. Amidst this unprecedented violence, no members of the House of Representatives or U.S. Senate were injured during the attacks. This can be attributed to the swift and courageous action of our law enforcement, and I could not be more grateful for their sacrifice.