House Extends, Doubles Security Pilot in Wake of Kirk Shooting

House leaders are continuing and boosting a member security pilot program amid growing safety concerns in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Lawmakers can use up to $10,000 a month for monitoring, maintenance and personal security from Oct. 1 to Nov. 21, according to an email sent to members from House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.). The original pilot program, launched just before August recess, offered members $5,000 a month.

A small percentage of House members utilized the pilot program in its first month, but Administration ranking member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) said he expects more lawmakers to take advantage as the funding continues. He told Bloomberg Government that members can use the funds for private security, installing cameras, home inspections to evaluate their safety, and more.

“I know that some people would like, you know, 24-hour, around-the-clock” security protection, Morelle added, but “It’s just not, in my view, something we can afford.”

Lawmaker security has long been top of mind for congressional leaders. Safety concerns have surged after the recent shootings of Kirk and Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman. Earlier this week, House Republicans included $30 million in additional member security funds in their proposed continuing resolution to fund the government past Sept. 30. Democratic leaders oppose that stopgap for other reasons, but member security has remained a bipartisan project.

Read More: House CR’s $30 Million for Member Safety Previews Bigger Debate