Congressman Bennie Thompson Along with other House Democrats Introduced the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act

United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) along with other House Democrats introduced the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act. 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.

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 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 Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act, H.R. 3237, is expected to be considered in the House next week.