DeLauro, McCollum Request Cots for National Guard Members Protecting Capitol

House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) and Defense Appropriations Subcommittee senior member Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) today wrote to the Secretary of the Army requesting cots be provided for National Guard members protecting the United States Capitol.

The letter comes in the wake of images showing National Guard troops laying on the floors of the Capitol Complex while taking breaks or resting during their service at the Capitol following the insurrection on January 6.

“With the uncertainty for needed rest and recoup time in flux, and to ensure that the Guard members are fully able to execute their protection mission, we urge you to make available cots or other equipment to more easily facilitate their ability to rest while they are on Capitol grounds,” the lawmakers wrote.

The full text of the letter is below. A PDF copy is available here.

Dear Secretary McCarthy,

After the horrific events of January 6th, the Congress is grateful to have National Guard troops assisting in the protection of the Capitol. We were disappointed though to see in a variety of images in the media, that Guard personnel are having to take breaks or rest on the floors of the Capitol. Staff were on the call with Vice Chief of Staff, General Martin, and understand that not all Guard personnel currently have secured lodging, and that the Army is considering utilizing the convention center for lodging.

With the uncertainty for needed rest and recoup time in flux, and to ensure that the Guard members are fully able to execute their protection mission, we urge you to make available cots or other equipment to more easily facilitate their ability to rest while they are on Capitol grounds. 

Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

Sincerely,

/s/

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