Each U.S. House member is receiving a boost in taxpayer dollars for security. It comes after recent violence and threats against lawmakers around the country.
Security boost
House members can now spend $20,000 to increase home security, up from $10,000, according to a release from the Committee on House Administration. Members can now also spend up to $5,000 per month on personal security, up from $150 per month.
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“The enhanced Member security framework aims to address security gaps and alleviate Members’ concerns while fulfilling their duties as elected officials, particularly in their districts and residences,” the memo said.
The new funds are effective through the end of fiscal year 2025, which ends on Tuesday, September 30.
The plan also directs the House Security Assistance Authorization (HSAA) to work with Capitol Police and local law enforcement on a memorandum of understanding.
“The intent of the program is that local law enforcement can provide additional coverage should a threat arise,” the memo said.
The memo also calls for Capitol Police Chief Michael G. Sullivan to write a letter to the National Association of Chiefs of Police and request their support in protecting members.
Violence against lawmakers
Lawmakers asked for this increase in security after the murder of a Minnesota state lawmaker last month.
Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in what law enforcement called a politically motivated attack. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot but survived.
Vance Boelter faces federal and state charges in that attack.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York had her Bronx office vandalized just this week. A former Voice of America employee was recently arrested for threats against Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.
Swatting has also become more common. That’s when police are forced to respond to threatening calls or emails that turn out to be a hoax.
Threats in general climbed in 2024 for the second year in a row, according to a report from the U.S. Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section.
More protection for lawmakers
This move from the Committee on House Administration is the latest effort to protect lawmakers.
At least a dozen states have either passed or are considering legislation to bolster protection for lawmakers. Legislators in Florida have already passed a bill that would hide the public address of lawmakers. A similar bill passed in Oregon as well.
Critics of those laws have primarily come from concerns about freedom of the press and transparency. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press recently pushed back against a similar law, arguing it’ll be harder to hold lawmakers accountable. They say monitoring travel and property sales can help uncover bribery or fraud schemes. Some states have seen political candidates falsifying their residence in order to run in a district that gives them a better chance of winning an election.
