House Democrats revealed a $1.9 billion spending bill on Friday that would bolster security at the U.S. Capitol with a number of changes, including $200 million for a dedicated, permanent “quick reaction force” in the DC National Guard.
House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Rosa DeLauro introduced the bill, saying, “This emergency supplemental appropriation addresses the direct costs of the insurrection and strengthens Capitol security for the future. It is also long overdue recognition of the work of the Capitol Police, the sacrifices that they and their families have made, and the changes they need.”
Aside from the $200 million quick reaction force, the bill includes:
- $250 million for fencing, sensors, changes to landscape
- $162 million for strengthened doors and windows
- Nearly $160 million for increased security for federal judges
- $3 million for “non-lethal” weapons for the U.S. Secret Service
- $8.6 million for body cameras
The bill also includes $521 million to reimburse states for National Guard deployment earlier this year. Of that amount, $231 million is for personnel costs and $218.5 million for operations and maintenance costs to the Army National Guard. Another $28.9 million covers personnel costs and $42.5 million operation and maintenance costs in the Air National Guard. The costs also include those incurred until May 23, when the current deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops is set to end.
“Protecting the U.S. Capitol Complex and all who serve and work in it is of the highest priority. The House will also soon move forward with an emergency security supplemental which will provide for the safety of Members and harden the Capitol against further attacks,” Pelosi said on Friday.
The Capitol Security Review panel led by retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré released a report in March recommending the formation of a dedicated quick reaction force, comprised of either federal agents, or National Guard troops in various potential force compositions.
“The USCP relies on augmentation from other civilian law enforcement agencies for emergency support, but we recommend establishment of a robust, dedicated QRF, not only for the USCP, but to serve the nation’s capital writ large,” the panel’s report said at the time.
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