Top House Democrats have called on Speaker Mike Johnson to increase the amount of funding available for lawmakers’ security following the weekend shootings of Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota. The request comes as threats against members of Congress have spiked in recent years, prompting calls for enhanced security measures amid a climate of heightened political tension.
In a letter obtained by POLITICO, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) urged Johnson to immediately direct the Sergeant at Arms to take all necessary steps to protect House members throughout the country. They also emphasized the need to significantly increase the Member Representational Allowance (MRA) to support additional safety and security measures in every office. The MRA is the funding each lawmaker receives to cover staff salaries, security expenses, and operational costs. An increase in this allowance could allow members to invest more in security without cutting into payroll, although any change would require an act of Congress.
Under the current policy, House lawmakers can use taxpayer funds to purchase bulletproof vests and other security equipment, hire security personnel for events such as town halls, and guard their district offices during business hours. Despite these provisions, the recent attacks have raised concerns over the adequacy of existing measures, prompting calls for a more comprehensive security approach. Capitol Police have established satellite offices outside of Washington in response to the threats following the Jan. 6 insurrection, but the situation remains tense.
Lawmakers have been on edge since the attack amid revelations that other Democratic lawmakers including Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) were named on lists connected to the suspect in the murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Jeffries and Morelle, the top Democrat on the House Administration Committee, stated that member safety had to be an ‘area of common ground’ with Republicans, quoting ‘assassination attempts’ that have affected members of both parties. They wrote that ‘we must act to protect each other and preserve this great American institution.’
The letter highlights the growing concern over the safety of lawmakers and the need for a collective effort to address escalating threats. While the letter does not specify details of the proposed changes to the MRA, it underscores the urgency of the situation and the demand for immediate action to ensure the protection of all House members.