Reps. Axne and Crow Lead Request for Additional Accommodations for National Guard Deployed at U.S. Capitol

Press Release

Today, Reps. Cindy Axne (IA-03) and Jason Crow (CO-06) led a letter requesting that members of the National Guard, law enforcement, and other public safety personnel deployed to protect the U.S. Capitol be provided free meals, beds, and allowed to access the House's shower and locker room facilities.

In a letter to the leaders of the Committee on House Administration, the members share their deep gratitude for the men and women working to keep the Capitol and its staff safe.

"We are grateful for the Guardmembers, law enforcement, and public safety personnel that are working tirelessly to keep us safe," the members wrote. "While the Capitol complex buildings are meant for conducting the People's business and do not provide many comforts for sleeping, eating, and resting, any accommodations we can make to ease their stay is the least we can do to show our gratitude.

The letter makes the following requests:

That House Dining facilities provide personnel with access to hot meals free of charge
That House shower and locker room facilities be made available to personnel in the Capitol complex
That the Committee consider providing cots or other bedding options for personnel sleeping overnight or resting in between guard shifts
The letter was signed by Reps. Andre Carson (IN-07), David Cicilline (RI-01), Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), James McGovern (MA-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Tim Ryan (OH-17).

The full text of the letter can be found below:

Dear Chairwoman Lofgren and Ranking Member Davis,

We write to you to express our gratitude for the National Guard, law enforcement, and other public safety personnel that are currently protecting Congress and preparing to safeguard the inauguration. While it is a sad state of affairs that we require such protection to defend our Capitol, we are deeply grateful for their service to our nation. They are not only defenders of our democracy but are welcomed guests during this time.

In order to demonstrate our gratitude and hospitality during these extraordinary times, we respectfully request that members of the National Guard, law enforcement, and other public safety personnel are permitted to use shower and locker room facilities within the House. Providing the men and women that are working to keep us safe the small comforts of a hot shower and a place to refresh is the least we can do to thank them for their services. It is unclear how long they may need to protect and defend the Capitol complex, and providing access to showers to freshen up can make all the difference after long shifts. Additionally, we ask that you consider the procurement of cots, bedding, or other materials that would allow personnel forced to overnight in the Capitol complex or those on rest status some comfort.

We also request that the House Dining facilities provide these personnel with hot meals, free of charge, to the extent that is practicable while also ensuring the safety of staff. Our dining facilities offer a wide range of healthy options rarely available to mobilized units. We should not only offer as many dining options as we can, but also provide members of the Guard with free meals three times a day. Should cost be an issue, we stand ready to find ways to ensure that the costs of meals remain free to those serving.

We are grateful for the Guardmembers, law enforcement, and public safety personnel that are working tirelessly to keep us safe. While the Capitol complex buildings are meant for conducting the People's business and do not provide many comforts for sleeping, eating, and resting, any accommodations we can make to ease their stay is the least we can do to show our gratitude. Thank you for your consideration of our requests and your support for those keeping us safe.

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