House approves new fines for members who do not complete security screening before entering the floor

House approves new fines for members who do not complete security screening before entering the floor

by

Upon approval of this rule on Tuesday night, members who fail to comply with security assessments will be fined $ 5,000 for the first offense and $ 10,000 for the second offense. These fines would be deducted directly from the members’ salaries by the managing director.

When metal detectors were installed outside the House on January 12 for all members and staff to pass, many lawmakers expressed their frustrations. Republican Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado, who filmed a campaign ad promising to carry her gun through the Capitol before arriving in Washington, also got into an impasse with the Capitol Police when trying to get on the ground when the metal detectors were installed recently . Republican Congressman Andy Harris of Maryland tried to pick up a firearm hidden on the floor of the House.

On Tuesday night, lawmakers appeared to be in compliance with the new security measures and passed through metal detectors before entering the House floor. The vote was 216-210 in favor of the new rule.

Representative Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat who is chairman of the Rules Committee, told the House plenary on Tuesday why it is important for members to follow metal detectors.

“These metal detectors are operated by the same police officers who saved our lives during the insurrection while risking their own,” said McGovern. “Some members on the other side disrespected these Capitol Police officers, verbally abused them, pushed them aside and disregarded their orders – all to avoid this basic security measure. This is no way to treat our heroes ”.

Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma, the top Republican on the Rules Committee, argued against the new measure in the House plenary on Tuesday.

“Requiring members to go through a metal detector every time they enter the Chamber of Deputies, even if they have not left the area, is a sure recipe for chaos,” he said. “It is impossible for members to distance themselves socially when they are stacked in a row to wait for their turn to pass through metal detectors,” said Cole, adding that “this is a clear recipe for disorganization and stalemate.”

The fine also tries to address the growing concerns of members who feel insecure on Capitol Hill after the violent uprising and those who since the attack have wanted to strengthen their security due to fear of other members.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, told reporters last week that while she is committed to addressing her colleagues’ concerns about security, this effort is hampered because “the enemy is inside the House of Representatives,” referring to to the rhetoric and behavior of some Republican members of Congress.

Pelosi released a statement late on Tuesday after the rule was approved.

“It is beyond understanding why any member would refuse to adhere to these simple and common sense steps to keep this body safe,” said Pelosi. “It is sad that we have been forced to come up with a rule change by imposing fines on those who refuse to comply with these protections, but Casa do Povo must and will be safe so that we can honor our responsibility to do the work of the People.”

This story was updated with further developments on Tuesday.

.Source