Summary — H. Con. Res. 9

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

Purpose

H. Con. Res. 9 authorizes use of the U.S. Capitol Grounds for two Police Week events in 2025: the 44th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. The resolution permits the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and its auxiliary to sponsor and hold the events on designated dates and sets timing for preparations and clearance.

Key provisions

• Authorizes the National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary to use the Capitol Grounds:
  • National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition: May 14, 2025, in the area surrounding the Grant Statue on the east side of the Capitol Reflection Pool.
  • 44th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service: May 15, 2025, on the Capitol Grounds.
• Allows preparations to begin on May 9, 2025, and requires the grounds to be cleared by May 16, 2025.
• Any changes to the grounds require approval of the Architect of the Capitol.
• Provides flexibility for alternate dates if jointly designated by the Speaker of the House and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.
• Sponsors are responsible for all event expenses and liabilities.

Background

• The dates align with Peace Officers’ Memorial Day (May 15) and Police Week, established by presidential proclamation in 1962.
• These annual events draw law enforcement personnel and honor officers who died in the line of duty.

Affected parties and impact

• Primary sponsor/organizer: National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary.
• Participants: law enforcement honor guards and pipe bands from around the country; attendees of Police Week events.
• Capitol operations: temporary use and occupancy of Capitol Grounds and the Grant Statue area; potential short-term access or security adjustments during May 9–16, 2025.
• Financial: Congressional Budget Office estimates no cost to the federal government because sponsors assume expenses and liabilities.

Procedural history & timeline

• Introduced in the House: February 6, 2025 (Rep. Scott Perry, cosponsor Rep. Greg Stanton).
• Referred to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; subcommittee discharged Feb 26, 2025.
• Reported favorably (H. Rept. 119-39) and placed on House Calendar March 25, 2025.
• Passed House under suspension of the rules by voice vote: April 7, 2025.
• Received in Senate April 8, 2025; agreed to without amendment by unanimous consent: April 30, 2025.
• Message on Senate action sent to the House: May 1, 2025.

Other notes

• No hearings were held on the resolution.
• As a concurrent resolution authorizing use of Capitol Grounds, it does not create binding statutory changes or require the President’s signature.