It wasn’t unanimous but for Congress, it’s about as close that you’re going to get.
By a vote of 413 – 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal — one of the highest civilian awards — to law enforcement personnel who protected the U.S. Capitol during the riots on Jan. 6.
Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney, a co-sponsor of the legislation, said the U.S. witnessed “heroism in action” when the Capitol Police fought back against rioters who seized the Capitol Building, resulting in the deaths of five people including a member of the Capitol Police.
“Members of the U.S. Capitol Police and across law enforcement are heroes. We saw their heroism in action on January 6th when they defended the most sacred space in our Republic against violent insurrectionists who attempted to prevent Congress from carrying out its constitutional duty,” Cheney said following the vote.
“The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of appreciation bestowed by Congress. I am proud to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to honor these heroes who not only ensured that our institutions held on January 6th, but who willingly risk their lives every single day in defense of our nation,” she said.
She said the patriotism shown by all law enforcement on the day of the insurrection will “never be forgotten” specifically mentioning Officer Sicknick and Officer Liebengood of the Capitol Police, and Officer Smith of the D.C. police who “paid the ultimate sacrifice as a result of what happened that day.”
The gold medals will be presented to the Capitol Police, the DC Police, and one to be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution.
Cheney detractor Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) was one of 12 Republicans who voted against the bill.
He said the bill honoring law enforcement was “offensive” because it included “editorial comments about the Jan. 6 sequence of events.”
