EXCLUSIVE: More than 30 Republican House lawmakers have signed a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling for the removal of the fencing that was put up after last month's Capitol riot, calling the measures "excessive" and questioning whether taxpayers will "be responsible" for the nearly $500 million expense of keeping a National Guard presence on Capitol Hill.
"We write to express our concern with the militarized fencing, excessive security infrastructure, and significant National Guard presence on the ground of the United States Capitol," the Republicans, led by Texas Rep.
EX-CAPITOL POLICE, SECURITY OFFICIALS TESTIFY AT SENATE HEARING THAT RIOT WAS ‘COORDINATED ATTACK’.
A spokesman for Pelosi noted that review of fencing is the role of the Capitol Police Board and referred Republican lawmakers’ questions to them.
The lawmakers pointed to the Pentagon’s recent announcement that National Guard troops would remain at the Capitol Complex through March 15, which "will cost $483 million.".
"In light of this staggering announcement, we are asking for a detailed justification for continued National Guard presence and clarity on whether taxpayers will be responsible for this nearly $500 million expenditure," they wrote.
The lawmakers said that "while we appreciate the service of these brave men and women, we have questions about the continued necessity of a presence of this magnitude," adding that the "barbed-wire fencing and barriers" around the Capitol are "posing logistical difficulties for staff and visitors, as well as preventing the American people from enjoying their nation’s Capitol.".
The heightened security measures came after the Capitol riot on Jan.
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