Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are quietly discussing options for expanding personal security protections, reports suggest.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., have reportedly had conversations about the issue with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Administration Committee Chair Bryan Steil, R-Wisc.
A senior Democratic committee aide told The Hill that Jeffries and Morelle « have regularly discussed innovative solutions to the heightened need for Member security » with Johnson and Steil.
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The aide told The Hill that the lawmakers had discussed an expansion of the Law Enforcement Coordination Program that would « provide a dedicated staff slot and funding for Members to hire a staff member focused solely on security, including facilitating more timely threat assessments and liaising with law enforcement. »
Morelle said in an interview with Semafor that the staffer would be « someone who’s probably a former law enforcement, former military, who meets all the requirements of being able to carry a gun. »
Jeffries, Morelle, Johnson and Steil also reportedly discussed the possibility of providing members with a security professional « as they perform their official duties, » according to The Hill.
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The push came as lawmakers gained access to a new $20,000 monthly security allowance on Monday, according to multiple reports. Members are also expected to get access to a mobile distress system, the House Sergeant-at-Arms William McFarland said in a letter obtained by Roll Call.
« Covered services include accompanying a Member or providing residential coverage at a member’s home, » McFarland’s letter read. He also noted that security personnel hired through the program would not be allowed in the Capitol or on its grounds.
The move started as a pilot program in which lawmakers were given $5,000 a month for security personnel away from the capitol, according to Roll Call. The outlet noted that the allowance increased to $10,000 in September and was extended through Nov. 21. The program has since been made permanent.
Fox News Digital contacted Jeffries, Morelle, Johnson and Steil for comment.
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Publish date : 2025-12-02 13:51:00
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