Congressman Tim Ryan Votes for Emergency Security Supplemental to Strengthen Capitol Security, Reimburse the National Guard, and Support Capitol Police Officers

Press Release

Washington, DC -- Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13), Chairman of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after voting in favor of the bipartisan $2.1 billion supplemental spending bill to increase security at the United States Capitol in response to the January 6th insurrection, reimburse the National Guard for their activation to secure the Capitol, shore up U.S. Capitol Police Pay, and to relocate Afghans who assisted the U.S troops during the war.

This long overdue, bipartisan supplemental spending bill passed the U.S. Senate 98-0 and passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 416 -- 11.

"None of us can, or should, forget the events of January 6th and the attempted ransacking of representative democracy. This legislation was long overdue and takes the first step in establishing institutional and cultural reforms needed to maintain as safe and open a campus as possible. Without this important legislation, the National Guard would have had to cancel much-needed training across the country. Further, this legislation helps ensure the Capitol campus will be safe for Members of Congress to carry out their constitutional duties and for Americans from across the country to be able to continue to witness representative democracy in action and peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights," said Congressman Ryan. "While I strongly support this legislation, I was disappointed that it did not include important funding to ensure the personal safety of Members of Congress -- many of whom receive death threats on a regular basis."

"Further, I was proud that this bipartisan legislation included funding to relocate Afghans who assisted U.S. troops during the war, preserving a sacred bond of trust with local nationals that we depend on when engaged in conflict overseas. We have to do everything in our power to make sure we honor our commitment to those who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for both their nation and ours -- this legislation does that," continued Congressman Ryan.

Funding included in the supplemental spending package:

$1.1 billion to relocate Afghans who assisted the U.S. government during the war and whose safety was at risk with the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
$521 million to reimburse the National Guard for their activation following the January 6th insurrection.
$300 million for the Architect of the Capitol to strengthen the physical security of the U.S. Capitol complex through bolstered windows and doors and new security cameras.
$70.7 million for U.S. Capitol Police salaries, equipment, and other expenses related to the January 6th Insurrection.
$42.1 million for Congress to address the ongoing Covid-19 related costs.

Source