Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted to pass H.R. 3237, the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act. This legislation would provide $1.9 billion to secure the safety of the Capitol, protect facilities, Members, employees, and visitors, and provide for safe and healthy Congressional operations.

“The insurrection at our Capitol represents an unprecedented assault on our democracy,” said Rep Sewell. “In addition to the tragic loss of life, the attack resulted in widespread damage to the Capitol Complex as well as trauma and uncertainty for Members, staff, employees, and Capitol Police officers. I was proud to vote for this urgently-needed funding which will help address these costs and secure our Capitol so that the horrific events of January 6th never repeat themselves.”

“We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to members of the Capitol Police, D.C. Metropolitan Police, and National Guard who put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our Capitol and those who work in it.” continued Sewell. “We have an obligation to provide them with the resources necessary to safely perform their duties, and I am pleased that this legislation does just that.”

Background on H.R. 3237

H.R. 3237 was informed by the recommendations of the Task Force 1-6 Capitol Security Review led by Lieutenant General (Retired) Russel L. Honoré and comprised of senior retired military leaders and law enforcement experts.

Among its many provisions, the bill:

  • Responds to January 6. The legislation responds to the direct costs incurred by the violent attack on the Capitol, including by:
    • Reimbursing the National Guard and the District of Columbia, and other federal agencies for their response and subsequent presence at the Capitol.
    • Supporting the Capitol Police with overtime pay, retention bonuses, equipment replacement, and wellness and trauma support.
    • Prosecuting the hundreds of perpetrators who attacked law enforcement and defiled our temple of democracy.
  • Protects Facilities, Members, Employees, and Visitors. Informed by the Capitol Security Review, the legislation strengthens security, including by:
    • Improving security by hardening windows and doors, constructing security screening vestibules, and installing new cameras.
    • Creating a dedicated Quick Reaction Force to augment the Capitol Police in cases of emergency.
    • Bolstering security for Members of Congress, as well as for federal judges – many of whom are presiding over trials of January 6 insurrectionists.
    • Providing specialized training, riot control equipment and body cameras for the Capitol Police.
  • Provides for Safe and Healthy Congressional Operations. The legislation provides funding for reimbursements and the response to ensure safe and healthy Congressional operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for Legislative Branch COVID-19 needs was not included in recent legislation.

For a more detailed funding breakdown, click here.