Sen. Patrick Leahy arrives at the Senate. (J. Scott Applewhite/ AP Photo)
Senate Democrats are looking to add nearly $2 billion to a lower chamber capitol security proposal. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced the enormous bill on the Senate floor Monday.
The legislation aims to fix the budget concerns facing the local National Guard and Capitol Police. However, more than $1 billion is already being allocated toward the Department of Defense to address pandemic related costs.
Appropriations Chair Leahy from Senate floor introduced his $3.7B US Capitol security emergency supplemental spending bill:"It addresses all of the needs arising from the tragic events of January 6th and the global pandemic. This is the best way forward." https://t.co/szzEkZtyUk pic.twitter.com/Cavxm1yZxv
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) July 12, 2021
Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, claimed passing the bill is dire and warned the Capitol Police budget is expected to dry out next month.
“Anybody who hasn’t looked at a calendar, that’s next month,” he stated. “The means of the men and women who protect the seat of democracy and members of Congress, and the staff in this building and the support staff who keep the building running, may face furloughs and significant impacts of the department’s programs and mission support.”
Republicans in both chambers of Congress have pushed-back at the large spending proposals Democrats are putting forward. They are sticking behind a stopgap bill of $630 million in order to provide funding for National Guardsman and Capitol Police as they buy time for further debate.
Source: One America News Network
