On January 6, 2021, a protester was seen sitting in the U.S. Senate chamber in Washington, D.C. This incident occurred during a joint session of Congress where Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential race was being ratified. The session confirmed his 306-232 Electoral College win over Donald Trump. Unfortunately, this peaceful event was marred by an attack on the U.S. Capitol building by pro-Trump rioters. The image captured the chaos and disruption that unfolded on that fateful day. (Image credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images)
U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger addressed the concerns of lawmakers overseeing the agency’s budget on Wednesday. He reassured them that the department is taking proactive measures to prepare for significant upcoming events, including the possibility of another incident like January 6th. These measures involve expanding the size of the police force and implementing significant changes to their intelligence gathering activities.
During a one-hour hearing before the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, Manger emphasized that the agency has significantly improved its capacity to ensure the safety of members within the Capitol complex and at their residences. However, he also acknowledged that the resources of the USCP are currently stretched thin.
USCP is working on improving security measures for House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, and Senate Speaker pro tempore Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat. They are second and third in the line of presidential succession, respectively. Manger acknowledged that USCP has lagged behind in this area and is now taking steps to enhance protection for these prominent officials.
Manger informed the committee that the security detail of the U.S. Secretary of State is three times larger than anything provided by the USCP. The Secretary of State holds the fourth position in the line of succession, below both those lawmakers.
“We understand the importance of enhancing the security measures for individuals in the line of succession,” he emphasized. “We cannot simply rely on the outdated approach of monitoring them and ensuring their safety wherever they go. It is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks faced by their homes and families as well.”
Improvements since insurrection
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During the questioning, Manger faced inquiries from panel members regarding the measures taken by the agency to enhance its strategies, personnel, and mindset in the aftermath of the Capitol building assault on January 6, 2021. This violent incident, orchestrated by pro-Trump rioters, left numerous police officers injured and tragically claimed the lives of two law enforcement officers.
The insurrection caused a disruption in Congress’s certification of the Electoral College votes, which was meant to confirm President Joe Biden’s election victory. This marked the first instance in United States history where a peaceful transition of power was not achieved.
Congress will need to certify the votes once again on January 6, 2025, after the upcoming presidential election in November.
According to the official, a significant number of police officers have already been enlisted from allied organizations. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the total number of trained law enforcement officers present at the site of the events could potentially reach thousands by the specified dates. This increased presence of officers is likened to the arrival of the cavalry, ensuring ample security for all major occasions.
USCP maintains relationships with other law enforcement agencies, in part, by providing reimbursement for their assistance.
USCP is urging the spending panel to not only maintain the availability of funding but also to ensure that retention bonuses are preserved in order to tackle the issue of attrition.
Manger emphasized the importance of people staying for various events, including conventions, elections, January 6, inaugurations, and more. He suggested that providing retention bonuses would be instrumental in achieving this goal.
Anticipating a threat
USCP faced significant criticism following the Jan. 6 attack, with one of the main concerns being its intelligence operation’s failure to fully comprehend the magnitude of the threat to the Capitol and the safety of the lawmakers present. However, Manger assured that this issue has been effectively addressed over the past three years.
“It’s like comparing night and day,” he remarked.
During the testimony, he mentioned that the U.S. Capitol Police has employees stationed in joint operation centers and other agencies to ensure immediate access to relevant information. He also emphasized that they have improved two areas that were previously lacking.
The USCP is currently analyzing intelligence to determine the credibility of potential threats and regularly sharing this information with its officers.
The department has established a fresh working relationship with the National Guard. As part of this collaboration, Manger now has the authority to deploy troops without the need for additional approval. However, he expressed caution about exercising this power during times of crisis.
Manger expressed his admiration for the National Guard, acknowledging their capabilities. However, he emphasized the importance of having well-trained and equipped law enforcement officers who specialize in crowd control and civil disturbance. Manger reassured that if the need arises, there will be an ample number of such officers available on their campus.
According to Adriano Espaillat, a New York Democrat and the ranking member of the panel, USCP should consider increasing its presence at airports in the Washington, D.C. area.
Lawmakers face threats while traveling through airports, according to Espaillat.
He suggested that there should be an increased presence in the airport.
According to Manger, the USCP makes an effort to accommodate lawmakers who request police escorts at airports, and they have personnel stationed at the three main airports in the Washington, D.C., region.
Police budget
The Capitol Police’s budget request for fiscal year 2025 includes a proposal for Congress to approve $636.5 million for salaries and $263.8 million for general expenses.
The current funding bill for the USCP, which was approved in March, allocates a total of $791.5 million in spending. Out of this amount, $588.6 million is designated for salaries, while $202.8 million is allocated for general expenses.
The House and Senate Appropriations committees are expected to release their respective spending bills in the late spring or early summer. It is anticipated that the spending process will not be completed before Election Day.
