Honoring the memory of Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police for their selfless acts of heroism at the United States Capitol on July 24, 1998.
Latest action (27 Jul 1998): Received in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
What this bill does
This concurrent resolution formally honors two United States Capitol Police officers, Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut, who were killed in the line of duty at the Capitol on July 24, 1998. The resolution recounts their service records and family details, notes that they were the first Capitol Police officers ever killed on duty, and states that they gave their lives protecting visitors, staff, and Members of Congress from a gunman. It formally states that Congress honors their memory and directs that when the House and Senate adjourn (or, for the Senate, recess) on the day the resolution passed, they do so out of respect for the two officers.
The resolution primarily affects how Congress marked the occasion procedurally—through the adjournment tribute—and serves as an official congressional statement of gratitude and recognition for the officers and their families. It does not create any legal rights, benefits, or obligations, and does not affect the general public, agencies, or law.
As a concurrent resolution, it does not have the force of law and does not require presidential signature. It was introduced by Rep. Newt Gingrich on July 27, 1998, and was agreed to by both the House and Senate that same day by unanimous consent, completing the legislative process for this type of resolution.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This concurrent resolution was agreed to by both chambers of Congress on July 27, 1998. That is the end of the legislative process for concurrent resolutions. They do not have the force of law.
Timeline
27 Jul 1998
Received in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
27 Jul 1998
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 392 - 0 (Roll No. 340).
Common questions
- What does H.Con.Res. 311 do?
- This concurrent resolution formally honors two United States Capitol Police officers, Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut, who were killed in the line of duty at the Capitol on July 24, 1998. The resolution recounts their service records and family details, notes that they were the first Capitol Police officers ever killed on duty, and states that they gave their lives protecting visitors, staff, and Members of Congress from a gunman. It formally states that Congress honors their memory and directs that when the House and Senate adjourn (or, for the Senate, recess) on the day the resolution passed, they do so out of respect for the two officers. The resolution primarily affects how Congress marked the occasion procedurally—through the adjournment tribute—and serves as an official congressional statement of gratitude and recognition for the officers and their families. It does not create any legal rights, benefits, or obligations, and does not affect the general public, agencies, or law. As a concurrent resolution, it does not have the force of law and does not require presidential signature. It was introduced by Rep. Newt Gingrich on July 27, 1998, and was agreed to by both the House and Senate that same day by unanimous consent, completing the legislative process for this type of resolution.
- Has H.Con.Res. 311 become law?
- Yes. H.Con.Res. 311 has been enacted. Status last updated 27 Jul 1998.
- Who sponsored H.Con.Res. 311?
- H.Con.Res. 311 was sponsored by Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998] (Republican-GA), with 15 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.Con.Res. 311?
- Received in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (27 Jul 1998).
Related bills in Commemorations
A bill to redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7401 West 100th Place in Bridgeview, Illinois, as the “Michael J. Healy Post Office Building”.
Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the United States Congressional Philharmonic Society and its mission of promoting musical excellence throughout the educational system and encouraging people of all ages to commit to the love and expression of musical performance.
A bill to provide for the installation of a plaque to honor Dr. James Harvey Early in the Williamsburg, Kentucky Post Office Building.
Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the United States Congressional Philharmonic Society and its mission of promoting musical excellence throughout the educational system and encouraging people of all ages to commit to the love and expression of musical performance.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.