House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced Wednesday that lawmakers will face up to $10,000 in fines if they refuse to go through newly installed metal detectors to enter the House chamber.
The new rule will be implemented next week when Congress returns to session on Jan. 21. Lawmakers subject to the penalty fines will be forced to pay $5,000 for the first offense, and $10,000 for the second.
The fines will be deducted from lawmakers’ salaries.
“It is tragic that this step is necessary, but the chamber of the People’s House must and will be safe,” Pelosi said in a statement.
The new fines come after several House Republicans objected to the new security measure on Tuesday and Wednesday.
A few pushed past Capitol Police, and others simply walked around the devices and into the chamber.
Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., who is known for carrying a firearm on her at all times, protested the security check by walking through the new metal detectors with her bag. When the detectors started beeping, she refused to hand her bag over.
I am legally permitted to carry my firearm in Washington, D.C. and within the Capitol complex.
Metal detectors outside of the House would not have stopped the violence we saw last week — it’s just another political stunt by Speaker Pelosi.
— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) January 13, 2021
Pelosi accused Republicans of berating Capitol Police needlessly.
“Sadly, many House Republicans have disrespected our heroes by verbally abusing [Capitol Police] and refusing to adhere to basic precautions keeping members of our Congressional community, including the Capitol Police, safe,” Pelosi said.
Members of Congress are typically given a pass on going through security in the Capitol complex if they show their lawmaker pins.
But the acting House sergeant-at-arms, Timothy Blodgett, announced this week that additional security precautions would be necessary “to provide a safe and secure environment” following last week’s Capitol demonstration.
