Congress members will reportedly be fined at least $5,000 if they refuse to undergo metal detector screenings starting January 21.
As a part of the new rule concerning House Chamber security protocols, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced mandated fines for members of Congress who refuse to comply with new safety measures.
Members who fail to comply with the screenings will be fined $5,000 for the first offense, whereas the second offense will cost them $10,000.
Pelosi’s move follows shortly after Congresswoman Lauren Boebert claimed several Republican House members broke the rules as they brought firearms into the Chamber on the day of the deadly riot.
“Some members were armed, they kind of just had this feeling to bend the rules that day,” the gun-rights advocate said. “And we kind of all huddled close to the ones who did.”
Boebert recently insisted she has the right to carry firearms within the US Capitol and refused to let the police search her bag when it triggered the alarm on Tuesday night. It is believed that the officers eventually let the congresswoman pass without checking her belongings.
As per the new rule, however, skipping security protocols will no longer be tolerated and those refusing to adhere to safety measures will face hefty fines.
“On behalf of the House, I express my deepest gratitude to the U.S. Capitol Police for the valor that they showed during the deadly insurrection on the Capitol, as they protected the lives of the staff and the Congress,” Pelosi wrote in a statement.
“Sadly, just days later, many House Republicans have disrespected our heroes by verbally abusing them and refusing to adhere to basic precautions keeping members of our Congressional community, including the Capitol Police, safe.
“The House will soon move forward with a rule change imposing fines on those who refuse to abide by these protections. The fine for the first offense will be $5,000 and $10,000 for the second offense. The fines will be deducted directly from Members’ salaries by the Chief Administrative Officer.
“It is tragic that this step is necessary, but the Chamber of the People’s House must and will be safe.”
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