The US Capitol. (Photo: Jennifer Shutt/State Newsroom)
WASHINGTON – The US Senator said from a briefing with federal law enforcement officials Tuesday that upcoming government funding bills will likely increase funding for the safety and security of members and their families.
An hourly briefing was followed by the US Capitol and Senate sergeants. Weekend assassination of attempted murder of Minnesota Senators and her husband, and the state senator and his wife.
The gunman had a list of home addresses that updated long-standing security concerns between elected Democratic officials, including members of Congress, and lawmakers.
Senate majority leader John Tune, Rs.D. he spoke about the shooting during a speech on the floor shortly after the meeting, ending the political violence.
“I am very grateful to the local law enforcement agency. The gunman is in custody and I look forward to him being charged to the fullest extent of the law,” Thune said. “There is no place for this type of violence in our country. There is nothing.”
New York Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer said California Democrats Adam Schiff and Pennsylvania Republican Dave McCormick have proposed at the closing door meeting to strengthen funding for the security of Congress.
“The Capitol Police and Sergeant had a very detailed discussion about how they could protect members here, in our state, in our homes and in our offices,” Schumer said. “The violence and threats against elected officials, including those in the Senate, are increasing dramatically, so we need more protection. We need more money.”
Schumer said USCP and other law enforcement agencies are taking immediate steps to improve security, but “there are other things that take a little longer with more resources.”
Schumer also called for political leaders to be more cautious about how policy differences are discussed.
“The rhetoric that encourages violence comes from too many powerful people in this country,” Schumer said. “And we need a solid, strong condemnation of all violence and violent rhetoric. It must come from the president and all elected officials.”
Minnesota Democratic Sen. Tina Smith called the meeting “very productive,” but she didn’t want to elaborate.
“I’m not going to comment anymore,” Smith told reporters. “I think it’s important for our members to be safe and not to talk much about what’s going on to keep us safe.”
Increased funding support
Senate budget ranking member Patty Murray, D-Wash; said the panel expects USCP funding to be increased with bills covering next year.
“We believe we need to do that,” Murray said.
Delaware Democrat Sen. Chris Koons said the current situation is “incredibly concerning and serious concern.”
“And I’m grateful for the quick and thorough bipartisan response,” Coons said.
Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor of Alabama, said the USCP will increase security measures for Congressional members.
“They’re going to try and do as much as they can, that’s about it,” he said after the briefing. “You know, security at home and here.”
Asked if there is a legislative solution or if there is something lawmakers can do, Oklahoma GOP Sen. James Lankford told reporters that there is a “cultural solution.”
Sen. Martin Heinrich did not elaborate on the meeting, but said, “Everyone has a very strong discussion about the increased security we are currently operating, the dangerous environment, and how we can reduce environmental volatility every day, to tactically bring out some of the threats,” he said.
The New Mexico Democrats are ranking members of the Senate Approximate Budget Branch Subcommittee, which funds USCP and sergeants.
Asked about USCP fundraising, Heinrich said this was “an obvious place where lawmakers can see,” but added that senators should be strategic about fundraising.
“We also need to be smart about this and be targeted,” he said. “There’s been a lot of things that can be done these days without the need for a lot of money to reduce the size of the targets behind anyone in civil servants.”
