The House’s top Democrat is open to a bipartisan bill that would expand lawmakers’ security, a priority for both parties amid an upswing in political violence.
“Speaker Johnson and I have been in constant conversation about different ways to bolster member security,” House Minority Leader
Leaders last week extended and doubled funding for lawmakers in a pilot program launched earlier this summer. They’ll be able to use up to $10,000 a month for personal security from Oct. 1 to Nov. 21 — which Jeffries called an “important step forward” for members’ safety.
Read More: Johnson Expects October Vote on Standalone Member Security Bill
“But it’s also clear that more needs to be done,” Jeffries said. Speaker
A handful of lawmakers participated in the member security pilot when it launched ahead of August recess, but Jeffries said more lawmakers are now taking part in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing two weeks ago.
“I do expect that at some point we will get to maximum participation,” Jeffries said of the program, “because the level of threats directed at members of Congress right now, at this moment of great political violence, is off the charts in this country.”
House Democrats and Republicans each held calls earlier this week on member security, and Jeffries said Democrats’ meeting was “extremely well attended” by lawmakers and their families.
Jeffries said House Democrats raised “very enlightened” ideas on how to make members safer without offering specifics. Republicans and Democrats alike have thrown cold water on the idea of giving each lawmaker their own security detail, as leaders have, noting that the concept could cost billions.
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