WASHINGTON, DC – With the U.S. Capitol Police running low on funding to pay the salaries of officers and security personnel and with Congressional Republicans refusing to provide needed funds to help fully safeguard the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the January 6 insurgency and unmet COVID-19 needs, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, issued the following statement:

“Some Congressional Republicans are so desperate to whitewash the Capitol insurrection that they are now holding up funds to pay Capitol Police officers and repay the National Guard, and underfunding needed security infrastructure upgrades to protect the Capitol complex.  They are also neglecting other critical safety and health needs of the Capitol complex and those who work in and visit the Capitol building. 

“We must ensure that Capitol Police officers are covered for overtime, training, and equipment.  We must take steps to prevent a repeat of the violent, vile breach of the U.S. Capitol.  The Capitol is a symbol of our democracy.  If we fail to provide secure doors, windows, tunnels, street barriers, and grounds then we could be leaving it vulnerable to another January 6 style attack.  If Senate Republicans refuse to plug needed security gaps it will be a disservice to the brave men and women who defend the U.S. Capitol, as well as those employees who worked tirelessly to clean up the Capitol in the aftermath of the riots, but also reported to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the Capitol and those who work here safe and healthy.

“Additionally, there is an urgent and bipartisan effort to save thousands of Afghan civilians who risked their lives to support the NATO mission and U.S. personnel.  Instead of blocking this emergency funding, Congressional Republicans should do the right thing and help those who helped us.”