Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

Overview

H. Con. Res. 73 (Session 119) authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for two public events hosted by the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP): the 45th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. The events are scheduled for May 2026 (Memorial Service on May 15; Exhibition on May 14), with preparatory and takedown timelines set around May 7–May 17, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

• Recognize and honor law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2025.
• Provide a platform for law enforcement representatives to display Honor Guard programs and a Bagpipe exhibition.
• Facilitate a commemorative event during Police Week, aligning with federal recognition of Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.

Key Provisions and Changes

• Use of Capitol Grounds: Permits the National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary to sponsor the Memorial Service and the Exhibition on the Capitol Grounds.
  • Memorial Service date: May 15, 2026 (with designations possible by Speaker of the House and Senate Rules Committee; preparation beginning May 7, 2026; takedown by May 17, 2026).
  • Exhibition date: May 14, 2026 (with date designations similarly adjustable).
• Access and Operations:
  • Events must be free of admission and open to the public.
  • Activities must not interfere with Congress’s needs.
  • Sponsors bear all expenses and liabilities associated with the events.
• Facilities and Setup:
  • Authorized erection of stage, sound equipment, and related structures upon approval by the Architect of the Capitol.
• Compliance and Enforcement:
  • Capitol Police Board tasked with enforcing restrictions on sales, advertising, displays, and solicitations consistent with 40 U.S.C. 5104(c) and other Capitol Grounds restrictions.

Who is Affected

• Primary: The National Fraternal Order of Police (and its auxiliary) as organizers and sponsors.
• Capitol Grounds stakeholders: Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Police Board, and other Capitol facilities management entities overseeing event approvals and safety requirements.
• Public: Works as attendees of a free, publicly accessible Memorial Service and Exhibition during Police Week.

Procedural and Timeline Details

• Scheduling: Memorial Service on May 15, 2026; Exhibition on May 14, 2026; preparation begins May 7; takedown by May 17.
• Legislative action: Passed by the House via suspension of the rules (March 24, 2026); Senate approved without amendment by unanimous consent (May 12, 2026). The accompanying House committee report includes a CBO cost estimate indicating no net federal cost since sponsors fund all expenses.
• Budget/Cost: CBO estimates no federal cost; sponsors bear all expenses and liabilities.

Summary

HCONRES 73 formally authorizes two Capitol Grounds events during Police Week 2026 to honor fallen officers and showcase law enforcement honors, with clear rules on public access, non-interference with Congress, sponsor-financed costs, and required approvals from the Architect of the Capitol and Capitol Police Board.