Honoring Brent Thompson

Madam Speaker, to protect and serve isn't just a slogan on the side of police cars all across the country. It's a promise. A promise that our men and women in blue keep every day as they serve to uphold the law and order in our cities and our towns. Without their bravery and sacrifice, our communities would be lawless and our families, our friends, and our loved ones would be in constant danger. I can't adequately express the sadness I felt last week when five Dallas police officers were targeted as victims in a horrific ambush simply for choosing to put on their uniform and to protect their community. Among the officers whose lives were unjustly taken was Dart Police Department officer Brent Thompson, who was a resident of Royce City in my home district. It just breaks my heart that this brave man's life was mercilessly and needlessly cut short at 43 years of age just because he reported for duty simply wanting to do his job. So I joined the greater Dallas community, the 4th District of Texas, and our entire country in mourning over the loss of Officer Thompson as we remember him for his selfless commitment to our country. His family remains in our prayers and will be forever grateful to him for his service. Officer Thompson, you will not be forgotten. Your memory will continue to inspire us to stand up for those who stand up for us because this violence targeted towards our police officers is unacceptable, it's outrageous, and it needs to stop. I yield back.