Should Congress Give Families of Fallen First Responders a Flag Flown Over the Capitol? (S. 2755)

What is S. 2755?

(Updated March 15, 2018)

This bill was enacted on May 16, 2016

This bill would allow a member of Congress to provide a constituent whose immediate family member was a first responder that died in the line of duty with a flag flown at the U.S. Capitol. Flags could be provided to firefighters, law enforcement officers, members of rescue squads or ambulance crews, or other public safety officers.

The family would also receive a certificate with the flag plus an expression of sympathy from the their representative and the Speaker of the House or their Senator and the President pro tempore of the Senate.

Argument in favor

Providing the family of a fallen first responder with a flag flown over the Capitol is a fitting way for Congress to convey its gratitude for the first responder’s sacrifice and its sympathy for the family’s loss.

Argument opposed

While it may be a nice gesture, it’s ultimately inadequate. A flag alone cannot ease the bereavement of a first responder’s family that just lost a parent, spouse, sibling, or child.

Impact

The families of first responders killed in the line of duty—including firefighters, law enforcement officers, rescue crews, and other public safety officers; the families representatives in Congress; and Congress.

Cost of S. 2755

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced this bill to give Congress a new way to honor the sacrifices of first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty by providing their families with flags flown over the U.S. Capitol:

“Our nation’s first responders put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and we mourn the loss of all those who have given their lives in the line of duty. We can never repay the debt we owe to them and their families; all we can offer is our eternal gratitude. My hope is that each flag that is flown over the Capitol and provided to these families will be a lasting symbol of our appreciation, and a fitting honor to those who embody the very best of who we are as a nation.”

This legislation was passed by both the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and the entire Senate through unanimous consent. It is cosponsored by 24 Senators—including 14 Republicans, nine Democrats and one Independent.

Of Note: As of May 8, a total of 34 law enforcement officers, 23 firefighters, and at least five emergency medical personnel have been killed in the line of duty so far in 2016.

Media:

• Sponsoring Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) Press Release
• Carthage Press
• Hannibal Courier-Post
• KFVS
• Ozarks First

Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Flickr user OfficerGreg)