Bill Summary
This resolution expresses the belief of the House of Representatives that the budget for Members' Representational Allowance (MRA) should be increased in response to the growing number of threats against members of the House. The resolution references specific events, such as the 2011 shooting in Tucson and the 2017 shooting in Alexandria, to support the need for additional security for members and their staff. The resolution also cites a statement from the Capitol Police Chief about the increase in threats against Members of Congress. The resolution ultimately calls for an increase in the MRA to protect both members and members of the public who are present at public events.
Possible Impacts
1. Increased security measures: The resolution calls for an increase in the Members' Representational Allowance to provide additional security for Members of the House and their families. This could potentially lead to increased security measures at public events and venues where Members of the House are present, affecting people who attend these events.
2. Financial impact on taxpayers: The resolution suggests using public funds to increase the Members' Representational Allowance, which could potentially result in an increase in taxes for the public. This could affect people's finances and their overall perception of the government's use of their tax dollars.
3. Public safety concerns: With a record pace of increasing threats against Members of Congress, there may be a heightened sense of fear and concern for public safety. This could have a direct impact on people who attend events or live in areas where Members of the House are present, as well as the general public who may have concerns about their own safety.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 530 Introduced in House (IH)]
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116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 530
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the amount of
the Members' Representational Allowance should be increased in response
to increasing threats against Members of the House.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 30, 2019
Mr. Green of Texas (for himself and Mr. Schweikert) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on House
Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the amount of
the Members' Representational Allowance should be increased in response
to increasing threats against Members of the House.
Whereas, on January 8, 2011, a gunman opened fire at a congressional event in
Tucson, Arizona, critically wounding Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
and killing a congressional staff member and five members of the public;
Whereas, on June 14, 2017, a gunman with a rifle and sidearm opened fire on at
least seventeen Members of Congress, several staff, United States
Capitol Police officers, and members of the public in Alexandria,
Virginia;
Whereas, in a hearing on July 16, 2019, Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund stated
that threats against Members of Congress are increasing at a record pace
this Congress; and
Whereas every Member of the House of Representatives is in dire need of
additional security in response to these increased threats to
themselves, their families, and their staff: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that
the amount of the Members' Representational Allowance should be
increased by such amount as is necessary to protect Members of the
House (including the Delegates and Resident Commissioner to the
Congress), as well as members of the public who are present when
Members are in public venues, from increasing threats.
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