Press Releases

As Chair of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today joined House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and other subcommittee chair in introducing the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act. The emergency security supplemental contains funding in the jurisdiction of six Appropriations Subcommittees: Legislative Branch; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.

The bill addresses the insurrection with $1.9 billion in funding to respond to the tragic events of that day. 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 going forward, and provide for safe and healthy Congressional operations. 

“In the face of an unprecedented and deadly domestic terrorist attack on the Capitol, the National Park Service stepped up. As House Interior Appropriations Chair, I am requesting funds to backfill the agency’s resources that were unexpectedly depleted during the January 6 attack and prepare the Park Service for possible future threats,” Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Chairwoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) said. “It is imperative that we equip the agency to address security challenges associated with large-scale events and demonstrations that occur around the National Mall and Capitol Complex.”

“The January 6 insurrection caused tragic loss of life and many injuries, while leaving behind widespread physical damage to the Capitol Complex and emotional trauma for Members, Congressional employees, and the Capitol Police. This emergency supplemental appropriation addresses the direct costs of the insurrection and strengthens Capitol security for the future. It is also long overdue recognition of the work of the Capitol Police, the sacrifices that they and their families have made, and the changes they need,” Chair DeLauro said. “This narrowly-tailored bill is the product of a careful examination of the Capitol Security Review and information gathered by the Appropriations Committee through briefings, hearings, and discussions with Members and other experts. The needs are urgent, so it is imperative we swiftly pass this legislation to protect the Capitol and those who work and visit here.”

Among its many provisions, the legislation:

Responds to January 6. The legislation responds to the direct costs incurred by the violent attack on the Capitol, including 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.

Protects Facilities, Members, Employees, and Visitors. Informed by the Capitol Security Review, the legislation strengthens security, including 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.

Provides for Safe and Healthy Congressional Operations. The legislation provides funding for reimbursements and the response to ensure safe and healthy Congressional operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for Legislative Branch COVID-19 needs was not included in recent legislation.  

The Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act, H.R. 3237, is expected to be considered in the House next week. A detailed summary of the legislation is here. The text of H.R. 3237 is here.

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