To establish the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund on behalf of the families of Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police.
Latest action (7 Aug 1998): Signed by President.
What this bill does
H.R. 4354 established the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund in the U.S. Treasury following the deaths of Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police. The Fund would hold donations designated for it and split payments equally—50 percent to the family of Detective Gibson and 50 percent to the family of Private First Class Chestnut. Contributions to the Fund would be treated as tax-deductible charitable gifts, and payments made from the Fund to the families would not be subject to federal, state, or local income or gift taxes; the Fund itself would be tax-exempt.
The bill directly affects the surviving spouses and children of the two officers, who would receive the financial support, as well as the U.S. Capitol Police Board, which is charged with administering the Fund and setting rules—subject to approval by the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and the House Oversight Committee—for how and when payments are made. The Board is also required to appoint a financial adviser or trustee to help the families manage the disbursed funds, and to distribute any remaining balance within six months of enactment.
The bill was introduced on July 30, 1998, by Rep. Newt Gingrich and passed through Congress quickly, being signed into law by the President on August 7, 1998. As enacted legislation, no further congressional action is required; implementation now rests with the Capitol Police Board.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was enacted after being signed by the President on August 7, 1998.
Timeline
7 Aug 1998
Signed by President.
31 Jul 1998
Received in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
31 Jul 1998
On passage Passed without objection.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4354 do?
- H.R. 4354 established the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund in the U.S. Treasury following the deaths of Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police. The Fund would hold donations designated for it and split payments equally—50 percent to the family of Detective Gibson and 50 percent to the family of Private First Class Chestnut. Contributions to the Fund would be treated as tax-deductible charitable gifts, and payments made from the Fund to the families would not be subject to federal, state, or local income or gift taxes; the Fund itself would be tax-exempt. The bill directly affects the surviving spouses and children of the two officers, who would receive the financial support, as well as the U.S. Capitol Police Board, which is charged with administering the Fund and setting rules—subject to approval by the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and the House Oversight Committee—for how and when payments are made. The Board is also required to appoint a financial adviser or trustee to help the families manage the disbursed funds, and to distribute any remaining balance within six months of enactment. The bill was introduced on July 30, 1998, by Rep. Newt Gingrich and passed through Congress quickly, being signed into law by the President on August 7, 1998. As enacted legislation, no further congressional action is required; implementation now rests with the Capitol Police Board.
- Has H.R. 4354 become law?
- Yes. H.R. 4354 has been enacted. Status last updated 7 Aug 1998.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4354?
- H.R. 4354 was sponsored by Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998] (Republican-GA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4354?
- Signed by President. (7 Aug 1998).
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