MATT BROWN and STEPHEN GROVES at AP:
The government funding bill passed by the Republican-controlled House on Friday would add about $88 million in security money for lawmakers and members of the Supreme Court and executive branch.
A temporary program that offers a monthly stipend for House members doubled its funding to $10,000 per member from $5,000. The House Administration Committee launched the program in July after the assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband.
Through the program, House lawmakers are also allowed to spend up to $20,000 on in-home security equipment.
The cash infusion does not affect the president, who is protected by a separate budget for the Secret Service, or the Capitol Police, which guards the Capitol complex — the Capitol, Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and scores of offices staffed by government and political officials.
“Federal judges have marshals. Obviously, the executive has federal law enforcement. Members of Congress are unprotected,” said Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla. “We’re in a heightened time of political violence,” Frost said, adding that he thought it was “ridiculous” that lawmakers had to use their personal or campaign funds to protect themselves.
Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., criticized the GOP leaders for not providing more security money. He questioned whether they appreciate the situation facing elected officials today.
“I just think it’s tough for leadership to understand they’re in their little protective bubble with security details and (Chevrolet) Suburbans. They don’t have to stand in line, they’re not in crowds, and then we’re out basically on our own with our families, and that’s a very scary proposition right now,” Burchett said.