Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On The Bipartisan Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill To Fund The Capitol Police, Reimburse Our National Guard, And Secure The Capitol Complex
Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the emergency supplemental appropriations bill that will support the Capitol Police, reimburse our National Guard, and secure the Capitol Complex. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:
Yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Chairman, Senator Leahy, announced a bipartisan agreement to provide $2.1 billion in emergency supplemental funding to support the Capitol Police, reimburse our National Guard, and make sure all the critical functions of the Capitol Complex are properly funded.
The toll of January 6th and the impact of COVID had meant that funding for the Capitol Police, the Capitol complex, and even for our National Guard was running low. Capitol Police have been forced to cancel critical training and health services, and have had to hold off on buying new, potentially life-saving gear, like helmets and body armor and respirators.
Thankfully, the bipartisan agreement between the Chair and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee will replenish these critical funds and support the hardworking men and women who keep this building, Senators, staff, media, and Capitol employees safe.
I was pleased to hear the Republican Leader support this supplemental appropriations bill this morning, and I look forward to working with our Republican colleagues to swiftly passing this legislation through the Senate.
And I must give accolades to the Rules Committee, led by Senators Klobuchar and Blunt. Their hearings and focus on this issue—the safety of the Capitol – has helped pave the way for the agreement, and we thank them for their continued diligence.
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