***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks and questioning***
Washington, D.C. – Today, at a Senate Appropriations Legislative Branch subcommittee hearing on President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget request for the Sergeant at Arms (SAA) and Doorkeeper of the Senate and the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, thanked Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen H. Gibson and U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger for their agencies’ tireless work keeping the Capitol safe and running—and reiterated her commitment to passing bipartisan funding bills that ensure the two agencies have the necessary resources they need to fulfill their critical missions.
“Every day, at every hour, members of your staff are here keeping an eye out for all of us who work here in our nation’s Capitol and everyone who comes to visit. I’m incredibly grateful to you and all of our Capitol police officers for working so hard, for putting in late hours like you just talked about, for sacrificing weekends, and more—to keep everyone here safe. And I know it certainly has not been an easy few years,” said Senator Murray. “We owe so much to both of your agencies—starting with the resources to do your jobs.”
Senator Murray spoke about the need to support the Capitol Police workforce—particularly following January 6—and asked Capitol Police Chief Manger about how initiatives like the new Liebengood Wellness Center for members of the Capitol Police, USCP’s employee assistance program, new retention bonuses, and more have been helped support and retain officers. She also asked about USCP’s future plans and needs to support the officers protecting the Capitol, and asked Sergeant at Arms Gibson about what’s needed to support the SAA workforce, which keeps the Senate running.
“Chief, I know that you and your team have been very focused on addressing the recommendations that resulted from the events of January 6, 2021, and are working to continue to enhance your capabilities to meet emerging mission requirements. Those are all costly initiatives, but I am glad that we have been working to provide the resources you need for that,” said Senator Murray. “But I also know that your workforce spends time away from their families and makes a lot of personal sacrifice. I want to make sure we are equally focused on their needs while we fund mission-critical items.”
Senator Murray asked about USCP and SAA’s ongoing work to address the increase in credible threats towards Senators and their families and keep members and their families safe, including through a new residential security program.
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