Emmer Lights the Capitol, Vows GOP Will ‘Always Back the Blue’

During Police Week, GOP leadership will honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Sunday night, Majority Whip Tom Emmer illuminated his office with blue lights shining out of his office windows on the ground floor of the U.S. Capitol. The visual tribute will last all week.

“I am proud to continue the tradition of lighting up our Capitol office blue to express House Republicans’ gratitude to the brave men and women of law enforcement,” Emmer told The Daily Signal.

Emmer has carried out this tradition for four years now, since becoming majority whip in January 2023. In past years, Majority Leader Steve Scalise has also changed the lights in his office to blue, honoring police officers.

“Our conference will always back the blue, despite the Left’s attempts to defund and demoralize police forces across America,” Emmer continued. “During National Police Week—and every week—we recognize our officers’ hard work, bravery, and sacrifice,” Emmer concluded.

This year’s police week comes as Democrats are continuing their call to “defund the police” even after years of it being a proven failed policy. Congress just managed to re-open part of the Department of Homeland Security, after nearly 80 days, though they still have more work to do to convince Democrats to fund immigration services and Secret Service officers.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, law enforcement deaths in 2025 hit an 80-year low, a 25% decrease compared to 2024.

“Each of the 111 fatalities we publish in this report represents a selfless sacrifice made on behalf of the community and the nation in which they serve,” said National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Bill Alexander.

As of now, there are roughly 700,000 law enforcement officers sworn into service nationwide.

The nation’s capital will honor law enforcement officers throughout the week. On Wednesday, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial will hold its 38th annual candlelight vigil on the National Mall. On Thursday, the group will hold a police vehicle parade featuring classic restored cars and motorcycles at the U.S. Capitol Reflecting Pool.

On Friday, the group will hold the 45th annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., from noon to 3 p.m. The week will end with fundraiser games at Nationals Park, where the Washington Nationals will play the Baltimore Orioles on Friday and Saturday nights.

Emmer will also host his annual “Pizza for Police” lunch at the Capitol this week.