Lawmakers Will Vote On A $1 Billion Capitol Security Bill

Today, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a $1.9 billion Capitol security bill. The legislation introduced by House Appropriations Chairman Rosa DeLauro covers a range of priorities including funding to enhance security across the Capitol grounds as well as provisions to bolster protections and increase preparedness for lawmakers including their district offices and the Capitol Police Force.

The legislation would provide $250 million for Capitol grounds security which would include ‘retractable’ or ‘pop-in’ fencing and security sensors, $162.7 million to harden security safeguards for windows and doors, $7.4 million set aside to increase security for lawmakers, $10.6 million for security measures and the installation of camera systems in district offices. For Capitol Police it would include $8.6 million for body cameras, $6.9 million for specialized training and $2.6 million for riot control equipment.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the bill would “protect the Capitol and all who serve and work here.” The push to increase Capitol security is part of the approach to respond to the attack that happened in January. If the House passes the bill it will then move to the Senate and if it passes there, it’s off to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.