WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (MA-5) voted today to pass the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act that would respond to the events of insurrection with $1.9 billion in funding to provide for safe Congressional operations. Informed by the recommendations of the Task Force 1-6 Capitol Security Review led by Lieutenant General (Retired) Russel L. Honoré and comprised of senior retired military leaders and law enforcement experts, it will secure the safety of the Capitol, protect facilities, members, employees, and visitors.

“The January 6 insurrection was a seditious attempt to overthrow our democracy. The perpetrators behind the attacks were not afraid to use violence, and the tragic results included loss of life, injuries, property destruction, and emotional trauma for the entire community, from staff to Capitol Police,” said Assistant Speaker Clark. “This emergency supplemental appropriation will pay to fix the physical damage caused on January 6 and strengthen Capitol security for the future, helping us to both rebuild and heal.” 

The legislation responds to the direct costs incurred by the violent attack on the Capitol, by:

  • Reimbursing the National Guard and the District of Columbia, and other federal agencies for their response and subsequent presence at the Capitol.
  • Supporting the Capitol Police with overtime pay, retention bonuses, equipment replacement, and wellness and trauma support.
  • Prosecuting the hundreds of perpetrators who attacked law enforcement and defiled our temple of democracy.

Informed by the Capitol Security Review, the legislation strengthens security, by:

  • Improving security by hardening windows and doors, constructing security screening vestibules, and installing new cameras.
  • Creating a dedicated Quick Reaction Force to augment the Capitol Police in cases of emergency.
  • Bolstering security for Members of Congress, as well as for federal judges – many of whom are presiding over trials of January 6 insurrectionists.
  • Providing specialized training, riot control equipment and body cameras for the Capitol Police.

A detailed summary of the legislation is here. The text of H.R. 3237 is here.

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