Senate Democrats Unveil $3.7 Billion Bill to Aid Capitol Security Funding

Yesterday, Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy unveiled a new $3.7 billion proposal to supplement security funding at the Capitol following the breach on January 6th. The plan is close to double what House Democrats had already passed in May. In addition to beefing up funding for Capitol Police and the National Guard, the plan also provides funding to help Afghan supporters of the U.S. military obtain visas, offer funding for the Department of Defense to help bolster Covid-19 protections and provide an influx of cash to help harden the Capitol’s security posture.

On the Senate floor yesterday Leahy said “We did not budget for an insurrection, and I am glad that my Republican colleagues have joined the negotiating table on this urgent matter, but their proposal falls far short of the needs of the moment.” Senator Richard Shelby is urging Democrats to pass his $633 million proposal to solve the Capitol Police and National Guard issues then continue negotiations later.