Threats Against Lawmakers

House Democrats and Republicans are quietly weighing options to expand personal security for lawmakers, including creating a funded, dedicated Law Enforcement Coordination Program staff slot focused on member security and law-enforcement liaison—likely filled by an ex-law-enforcement or military officer who could carry a firearm—and providing security professionals while members perform official duties. The member security stipend, which began as a $5,000/month pilot and rose to $10,000 in September, became permanent at $20,000/month on Dec. 1, a new mobile distress system is being deployed, and the Sergeant-at-Arms has clarified that security hired through the allowance may not enter the Capitol or its grounds.