House approves $1.9 billion in emergency spending to bolster Capitol security

The House on Thursday narrowly approved legislation providing $1.9 billion to bolster security at the U.S. Capitol in the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection. The bill passed largely along party lines, with all Republicans present and three Democrats voting against it.

The legislation incorporates recommendations from an outside panel to strengthen security around the Capitol complex, such as providing funding for fencing and making improvements to secure windows and doors. It would also essentially create a new standing force of the D.C. National Guard to quickly respond to any threats to the Capitol, after it took hours for the National Guard to be deployed on January 6. National Guard troops have been stationed around the Capitol since January. It would also rename a Capitol Police wellness program for U.S. Capitol Police Officer Howard Liebengood, who died by suicide after the attack, and make changes to improve trauma support.