U.S. House moves to bolster lawmaker security in wake of baseball shooting

Responding to concerns about personal security for lawmakers after last week's gun attack at a Congressional baseball practice, U.S. House leaders are moving to provide extra money to members for protection back home, as well as new funding to bolster the work of police and security officials on Capitol Hill.

Under a plan approved by a House spending subcommittee on Friday, the Congress would provide an extra $7.5 million next year to the Capitol Police for an "increased security posture" around the Capitol, along with $5 million to the House Sergeant at Arms to help with security for lawmakers back in their districts.

"We are taking a new fresh look at security," said Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS), the Chairman of subcommittee that deals with funding for the Legislative Branch.

"The tragic events of June 14 weigh heavily on these deliberations," said Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, which could vote on the extra money as early as this next week.

Also being put into motion is a separate plan to funnel an extra $25,000 to each member of the House - about $11 million in all - to help them increase security back in their districts.

"The scariest part for us is there used to be this impression by the public that we all had security everywhere we went," said Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH).

"Now, everyone knows that isn't the case," Ryan added, as he lent his support to the extra funding for security as well.

The money in this budget bill would not take effect until the new fiscal year - which starts October 1 - so, House leaders are ready to okay extra money immediately for members worried about security back in their districts.

Roll Call newspaper reported that could be approved in coming days by the House Administration Committee.

Yoder said Congressional leaders are also waiting to see if money raised in campaign contributions for House elections could be put to use for security as well.

"Pending an FEC (Federal Election Commission) decision, we're also looking at whether campaign funds could be used to continue to support security upgrades at personal residences," Yoder added.

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