Senators reached a unanimous agreement Thursday to place a memorial plaque recognizing law enforcement officers who protected the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack in a location where the public can view it. The memorial, which has been absent from display despite a 2022 legal requirement, will be positioned in an accessible area of the Senate wing while plans proceed for permanent installation. The decision comes as the House of Representatives continues to decline displaying the tribute.
The Senate approved a bipartisan resolution instructing the Architect of the Capitol to place the memorial prominently within the Senate section of the building. The resolution ensures public access to the plaque until its eventual permanent placement on the western facade of the Capitol, as mandated by legislation passed two years ago.
Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, who spearheaded the initiative with North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the courage displayed by officers during the assault. Merkley stated that accurately recounting the events of January 6 necessitates honoring those who protected both the Capitol building and democratic processes from violent attackers.
Tillis praised the law enforcement personnel who safeguarded congressional operations and the Capitol complex. He noted that their courageous response preserved legal order and allowed democratic institutions to maintain their functions. The senator added that prominent display of the memorial in the Senate chamber provides appropriate recognition of their bravery and sacrifice.
House Republican leadership has declined to install the plaque, with Speaker Mike Johnson’s office indicating this week that the current memorial design fails to meet legal specifications. The Senate resolution proceeds without requiring House authorization.
