Political Violence Threatens the Continuity of Congress
BY DANIELLE STEWART
For Congressional staffers in DC and in district offices around the country, security is an ongoing concern — it’s something these staff and Members think about nearly every day. For the second year in a row, the US Capitol Police (USCP) have reported a record number of threats against Members of Congress. That number has more than doubled since 2017.
The issue hit especially close to home following a politically motivated and deadly attack against two Minnesota House Members and their families. There’s a growing call — from both Members and staff — for stronger investments in safety and many are urging Congressional leadership, the USCP, and the Sergeant at Arms to step up security measures and make safety awareness a real priority.
These conversations also speak to a larger issue for the Legislative branch, highlighting the real need for better continuity planning in the event of an emergency. As the safety and security needs of Members, staff, and their families evolve, so must the resources and response.
To help keep offices informed of available services for staff, POPVOX Foundation worked with Capitol Hill staffers to create a best practices safety compilation that encourages Capitol Hill and district offices to:
Have a safety protocol in writing — we teamed up with the National Association of Social Workers during the pandemic to put together some best practices on office safety, here.
Request a Security Awareness Briefing
Encourage Member use of the residential security program
Share the “Spouse and Family Safety and Security Guide”
The first step is for Members and staff to use the resources currently available to ensure their safety. A recent Roll Call article highlighted a reversible trend: many Members do not take advantage of current offerings, according to recently retired US Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger.
In 2022, the Committee on House Administration announced that Members could use funds through the Members Representational Allowance for in-home security protection. But currently, only 60 percent of Members have used this funding, highlighting a real need to boost awareness and encourage use of this key resource. A similar program exists in the Senate, operated by the Senate Sergeant at Arms (SSAA), though participation data is not shared publicly. Better communication with Congressional offices on how to use these funds and start the process in a Member’s home district could be hugely helpful.
Second, priority should be given to creating and enforcing a Congressional Continuity of Operations Plan. Following hearings and institutional recommendations, the FY 2025 House Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Report included key language and priorities on this matter, calling for:
A District Office Security Report, as requested in FY 2024
Risk-based protections for Members of Congress
Expanding the Residential Security Program to include cybersecurity and privacy resources
Congressional Continuity of Operations Plan
However, Congress has not moved to take more formal action to address the potential for a continuity of government crisis if a natural disaster, pandemic, violence, or other event were to result in widespread loss of life among Members.
In its recommendations to the 119th Congress, POPVOX Foundation called for Congress to establish a Joint Committee on Continuity to enhance the resilience and continuity of legislative operations, address potential disruptions, examine current procedures, identify gaps, and propose solutions to maintain Congress’ stability and functionality during emergencies.
Specific areas of focus could include an examination of existing emergency response training and resources provided to Members and staff, review of alternate-location contingency planning, and evaluations of Congress’ preparedness to respond to a number of tabletop exercises.
Third, with the summer district work period around the corner, it is important for Members and their staff to revisit their plans for safety during travel and at public events. Members often spend hours every day throughout the recess period traveling throughout their districts and visiting with constituents. A safety and security plan, created with the help of the USCP and local law enforcement, for each Member office in-district would ensure staff are prepared when staffing their bosses, regardless of the venue or audience.
As stated above, the House Sergeant at Arms (HSAA), SSAA, and the USCP have many helpful guidelines for staff, Members, and constituents to follow in the office and at home. Working with the Sergeant at Arms in both chambers, USCP can empower staff to keep themselves and their office safe in the event of an emergency. This also gives staff a contact at SAA and USCP which can aid in event preparation and for future security assessments in-district.
The safety and security of elected officials, their families, and staff, and all who visit Congress should always be a bipartisan priority. Recent action in the House shows promise in this regard. The Committee on House Administration leadership demonstrated unity across the parties in calling upon the Department of Justice to help deter future threats against Members of Congress.
More can and should be done to support Members and their staff. Ensuring the safety and continuity of Congress in the face of rising political violence needs to be addressed transparently. The more staff and Members who are prepared to respond to an emergency — or avoid one altogether — the safer everyone who works and visits Congress becomes. Congress has already paved the way for such action, and ensuring more Members and staff are equipped with the best tools available could potentially save lives.