Congressman Biggs Demands Answers on Reports that Capitol Police are Monitoring Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and their Capitol Visitors

Statement

Today, Congressman Andy Biggs, and 33 colleagues, sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Administration Committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren regarding recent reports that the U.S. Capitol Police have been monitoring Members of Congress, their staff, constituents, and supporters.

"Recent reports state that the Capitol Police are surveilling Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and their Capitol visitors,"said Congressman Andy Biggs."If these reports are true, that the Capitol Police force is actively looking for and reviewing private information, then this is a gross violation of American civil liberties and an abuse of power. I'm calling on Speaker Pelosi and Chairwoman Lofgren to do what is best for the American people and look into this troubling report."

"The recent reports of Capitol Police digging into the business of members of Congress, staff and constituents who meet with their lawmakers is disturbing and raises many concerns. The House Administration Committee must investigate and provide answers to lawmakers on unauthorized surveillance. Any unconstitutional behavior must be put to an end immediately." - Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07)

"Americans enjoy the fundamental right to petition their elected officials. It is deeply troubling to learn that the Capitol Police may be surveilling individuals exercising this right, as well as Members of Congress and their staffs. Such tactics have no place in a free society." - Congressman H. Morgan Griffith (VA-09)

"Reports that the U.S. Capitol Police are spying on duly-elected members of Congress, their staff, and their constituents are deeply troubling, and an invasion of Americans' rights to privacy," said Representative Rosendale (MT-AL). "The American people have a right to petition their elected representatives without fear that the surveillance state will be weaponized against them. A full investigation into this egregious program must be launched and those involved held accountable."

"Speaker Pelosi has used COVID and January 6th as excuses to close down the Capitol and consolidate her power to her political advantage. If these reports are true, it is disturbing to think that a plan would be approved allowing information to be collected on individuals exercising the right to petition their representatives when no threat has been indicated. This raises major constitutional concerns and must be stopped." - Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04)

"Under the guise of increased security measures after January 6th, reports indicate that U.S. Capitol Police have been monitoring the property taxes, relationships, and social media feeds of staff and constituents meeting with their elected representatives. Americans are afforded the Constitutional right to petition Congress without becoming the subject of a USCP investigation. If these reports are true, USCP is undoubtedly violating Americans' civil liberties. They must immediately answer to Congress." - Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL)

"Citizens and their elected officials should not be treated as criminals," said Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA). "Surveilling Americans without cause is a violation of our right to privacy and should be suspended immediately."

"I greatly appreciate the Capitol Police and the protection they provide to members and staff who are in the Capitol every day. However, these allegations are deeply concerning and warrant further investigation." - Congressman Glenn Thompson (PA-15)

"Whether petitioning your elected officials or making a financial transaction between two parties, Americans deserve to act without fear of government surveillance. If these allegations are true, Congress must act immediately to end this gross violation of civil liberties and protect the right to privacy for all Americans." - Congressman Warren Davidson (OH-08)

"Capitol Police should not be monitoring Members of Congress, their staff, or constituents. This must be investigated immediately to ensure the protection of Americans' civil rights. We work in the People's House not the Speaker's House." - Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D (TX-26)

"From fining Members for not wearing masks, to threatening to arrest maskless staffers, to barring constituents from entering their own Capitol building, the "leadership' of the House of Representatives is at its lowest point in our history. Now, US Capitol Police is being weaponized to surveil Members, their guests, and constituents. This -- in what is supposed to be the "People's House' -- is absolutely shameful; it is unamerican, and the people deserve answers now." -Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21)