Members of the House will soon have access to up to $20,000 a month to pay for personal security while they’re off the Hill — doubling the monthly amount currently available — and access to a mobile duress system, according to the House sergeant-at-arms.
Sergeant-at-Arms William McFarland announced the enhancements Monday in a “Dear Colleague” letter. The additional funds will be available Dec. 1 and will allow members to hire security personnel or companies for personal protection. It comes at a time of heightened threats and rising tensions over security for members of Congress.
“Covered services include accompanying a Member or providing residential coverage at a member’s home,” McFarland wrote in the letter, which was obtained by Roll Call. The program, which launched as a pilot in the summer, allows members to hire their own security personnel and get reimbursed by the SAA. Security personnel hired through the program are not permitted in the Capitol or on the grounds, McFarland wrote.
