“It is profoundly disappointing that every single House Republican voted today to reject strengthening security at the Capitol. The legislation we passed with the support of nearly every Democratic Member is the direct product of the thorough review conducted by Gen. Honoré, who was tasked with evaluating the best ways to protect the Capitol complex and secure it against future threats.  The attack on January 6 revealed key gaps in Capitol security, and it is incumbent upon us to address Gen. Honoré’s findings and close those gaps.  His recommendations seek to prevent another occurrence of the terrible events of that day, which shook the very foundations of our democracy.  The unanimity of Republicans’ vote against doing so is itself yet another blow to recognizing and acknowledging the truth of what happened that day.   “We owe it to the men and women of our U.S. Capitol Police force – who displayed great courage on January 6, as they do every day – to provide them with the resources they need to carry out their mission safely and effectively.  These outstanding officers and detectives not only protect those of us who serve as Members and staff; they safeguard the thousands of workers and those who will soon again be coming here to meet with their Representatives or to tour this historic building.   “I want to thank Chairwoman DeLauro and the Members of the Appropriations Committee who worked to produce this legislation both quickly and carefully.  They recognize, as I do – and as I hope all Americans do – the need to boost security for the Capitol complex in a way that is unobtrusive and does not create undue barriers between the American people and those who represent them here.  I believe that this bill captures that compromise well.    “I was here on September 11, 2001, which was a profoundly sad day for our country, just as January 6 was deeply upsetting to all Americans who care about our democracy and our national security.  The September 11 attacks brought us together as nation in common purpose.  There were no Democrats or Republicans in the aftermath of that attack – only Americans.  It is unfortunate that the attack on January 6 has engendered not unity but division.  I had hoped that this legislation and the commission we voted to create yesterday would have brought all Members together in common purpose in much the same way as in 2001.  Sadly, that has not happened.  I hope there will still be a chance in the weeks and months ahead to find common ground and common purpose in facing what happened on January 6 and confronting the very real threat to our democracy that has not yet abated.”