Senators used a closed-door briefing with law enforcement officials Tuesday to push for more funding for lawmaker security in the wake of the past weekend’s fatal shootings in Minnesota.
Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) were among the attendees making the case for additional resources to protect elected officials, according to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — underscoring the scope of the bipartisan appeal to representatives with the U.S. Capitol Police and Senate sergeant at arms conducting the briefing.
“The violence and threats against elected officials, including people in the Senate, has dramatically increased, and that means we need more protection, we need more money,” Schumer told reporters following the meeting.
Asked if he was suggesting there ought to be access to security details for senators going about their business outside the Capitol, Schumer demurred but said there are “lots of things that need to be done; [law enforcement] discussed it in some detail but given the increase in threats we need more protection for senators.”
Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said after the meeting that she expects Congress will need to increase Capitol Police funding but indicated that lawmakers did not get a specific number Tuesday for how much money security experts think the department needs.
Prior to the weekend’s fatal shootings and renewed threats against members of Congress, the Capitol Police had asked appropriators for $967.8 million for fiscal 2026 — a 22 percent boost over the current funding level, which was set in fiscal 2024. With lawmakers calling for even more resources, the budget for the relatively small force could top $1 billion for the first time in coming years.
Updated needs for the department could also come into force next week, when Mike Sullivan, the incoming Capitol Police chief, is sworn in and begins his official duties.
