OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act, 2021

Floor Speech

Date: May 20, 2021
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Government Operations

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Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, the criminal invasion of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th created an unprecedented test for liberty lovers to respond and protect democracy for generations to come.

We owe it to our law enforcement community, and indeed everyone who works in or visits our Capitol, to respond with means to recover and rebuild from the insurrection,

The U.S. Capitol holds national and international significance as the temple of liberty and representational democracy. The invaders, many in paramilitary attire more modern and protective than what our own officers were provided, exposed gaps and weaknesses at the highest levels. Our failure to act now only invites our greatest adversaries an open door to further harm.

We continue to mourn the officers we lost, those who were physically injured, and the countless who continue to suffer from mental and emotional distress. Let us act in their honor.

Through Chairwoman DeLauro's leadership, the Appropriations Committee held extensive hearings and conversations with security experts, gathering critical recommendations to address the immediate security needs.

As such, this bill provides $1.9 billion in emergency appropriations to:

Provide funds to repair the physical wounds to the Capitol Complex and build back with stronger security enhancements.

It invests in means to protect Members of Congress, congressional staff, and visitors following the recommendations of the Capitol Security Review.

It provides resources to the United States Capitol Police for officer salaries, equipment, training, and mental health counseling.

And provides resources for enhanced security for Members of Congress.

Today, Congress must provide confidence to our Capitol Hill community that the safety and security of all who work within and visit the temple of liberty remains a top priority. I encourage all my colleagues to support this important legislation.

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