-Mr President, in a moment,
I will ask the Senate to pass legislation
that would award Capitol Police Officer Eugene
Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal.
In the weeks after the attack on January the 6th,
the world learned about the incredible,
incredible bravery of Officer Goodman
on that fateful day.
Here in this trial, we saw new video,
powerful video, showing calmness under pressure,
his courage in the line of duty,
his foresight in the midst of chaos,
and his willingness to make himself
a target of the mob's rage,
so that others might reach safety.
Officer Goodman is in the chamber tonight.
Officer Goodman, thank you.
-Mr President. -Wait.
-Republican Leader McConnell. -Oh, I'm sorry.
-Okay. -Oh.
-I just want to say, I think we can all agree
that Eugene Goodman deserves
the highest honor Congress can bestow.
But I just, before we move to pass this legislation,
I want to be clear that he was not alone that day.
The nation saw, and has now seen,
numerous examples of the heroic conduct of the Capitol Police,
the Metropolitan Police, the SWAT teams,
that were with us on January 6th,
here in the Capitol, protecting us.
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to each and every one of them,
particularly now,
as members of the force continue to bear scars,
seen and unforeseen, from the events of that disgraceful day.
Let us give them all the honor and recognition
they so justly deserve.
-Mr President. -The Republican leader.
-I'm pleased to join the majority leader's request.
January 6 was a day of fear
for those who work here in the Capitol,
and of sadness for many more watching from afar.
But that awful day also introduced our nation
to a group of heroes whom we, in Congress,
were already proud to call our colleagues
and to whom we owe a great debt.
In the face of lawlessness, the officers of the US Capitol
lived out the fullest sense of their oaths.
If not for the quick thinking and bravery
of Officer Eugene Goodman,
in particular, people in this chamber
may not have escaped that day unharmed.
Officer Goodman's actions reflect a deep,
personal commitment to duty
and brought even greater distinction
upon all his brave brothers and sisters in uniform.
So I'm proud the Senate is taking this step forward,
recognizing his heroism with the highest honor we can bestow.
-So, Mr President, as if in legislative session,
I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs
be discharged from further consideration of S 35
and then, the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.
-The objection? And the clerk will report.
-S 35, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal
to Officer Eugene Goodman.
-Without objection, the committee is discharged.
-The Senate will proceed to the measure.
-And the Senate now proceeds to the measure.
-Mr President, I ask unanimous consent
that the Van Hollen substitute amendment,
which is at the desk, be considered and agreed to;
the bill, as amended, be considered,
read a third time, and passed;
and the motions to reconsider be considered,
made, and laid upon the table.
-Without objection. -Without objection, so ordered.