House Passes Emergency Security Supplemental

WASHINGTON — The House today passed the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act, a $1.9 billion funding bill that covers the costs of the insurrection and protects the Capitol and those who visit and work here.

“Congress owes it to everyone who works in or visits our Capitol to provide funding to recover, rebuild, and keep all who serve in the Legislative Branch safe, healthy, and secure,” House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “This narrowly-tailored bill carefully responds to the insurrection and addresses urgent security vulnerabilities. It is imperative that the Senate advance this legislation without any delay.”

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.

“I am grateful for the leadership of Subcommittee Chairs Tim Ryan, Matt Cartwright, Betty McCollum, Mike Quigley, Lucille Roybal-Allard, and Chellie Pingree, who worked hard to formulate strong legislation that meets this difficult moment,” DeLauro said. “I am also deeply appreciative of the many Members, both on and off the Appropriations Committee, who provided input that strengthened this legislation.”

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.
• Prosecuting the hundreds of perpetrators who attacked law enforcement and defiled our temple of democracy.
• Covering overtime for Architect of the Capitol custodial staff and bonuses in recognition of their tireless efforts to support Congressional work, including difficult tasks in the aftermath of the insurrection. It also provides access to enhanced mental health support and includes new language to reimburse them for transportation and other costs in the event of another emergency.
• Providing funds for the Capitol Police to cover overtime pay, retention bonuses, equipment replacement, and enhanced wellness and trauma support.

Protects Facilities, Members, Employees, and Visitors. Informed by the Capitol Security Review, Inspectors General, and security experts in and out of government, 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.

A detailed summary of the legislation is here. The text of H.R. 3237 is here.