Republican Party lawmakers spoke out Tuesday night against a security policy that requires members to go through metal detectors before entering the chamber to vote on a resolution calling for President Trump to be removed for his role in the Capitol rebellion from last week.
Long lines formed outside the Chamber’s chamber as members waited to pass the detectors. Several Republicans refused to comply with the procedure, while others complained to Capitol security and House Democrats that security measures were put in place without adequate notice or consultation.
In a heated meeting, House Management Classification Member Rodney Davis, R-Ill., Exchanged harsh words with the Capitol Police, as well as with the House majority leader, Steny Hoyer, D-Md. Davis was furious after security blocked access to a staircase near the speaker’s lobby, which is normally open to members.
Metal detectors for lawmakers are installed in the corridor around the House of Representatives chamber after a crowd loyal to President Donald Trump invaded the Capitol last week in Washington, Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
((AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite))
“Steny, this is bulls —” said Davis.
“Rodney, we are all examining the magnetometers. All of us,” said Hoyer in response as Davis argued with the officer.
Davis said security measures are “taking resources completely where they should be”, adding that Democrats “did it without any consultation with the minority”.
Congressman Chip Roy, R-Tx., Was one of the House Republicans who chose not to go through metal detectors.
“The metal detection policy for the floor of the Chamber is unnecessary, unconstitutional and endangers members,” Roy said in a statement about the incident. “I didn’t do it tonight. I won’t do it in the future.”
Timothy P. Blodgett, the House’s weapons sergeant, briefed lawmakers on additional security measures Tuesday afternoon. In addition to installing metal detectors, Blodgett warned in a memo that firearms were banned in the Chamber of Deputies.
Earlier in the day, Davis described the measures as “politically correct maddened”.
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“The threat is outside, not inside. Every resource used inside is one that cannot be used outside, ”he said in a statement.
House members are expected to vote Tuesday night on a resolution calling for Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. In a letter to Pelosi, Pence said he does not intend to proceed with the resolution even if it is passed.
Leading Democrats said they would start the impeachment process if Pence refused. Several Republicans have signaled that they would support Trump’s impeachment before the end of his term on January 20.