
(RepublicanPress.org) – The January 6 riot at the nation’s capital exposed serious security failures. A task force led by Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré (ret) conducted a review of that event and submitted a report of its findings in March. That report made several recommendations to bolster security moving forward.
The House Appropriations Committee is considering the task force’s suggestion to create a dedicated Quick Reaction Force (QRF) in Washington, DC to back up the Capitol Police in the event of an emergency.
National Guard troops set to leave U.S. Capitol as officials eye permanent force https://t.co/11vtHVoMlo
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 18, 2021
The January 6 Task Force noted that the nation’s capital is a “prominent tourist destination” and a venue for numerous “peaceful First Amendment activities,” making it a “high-value target” for domestic extremists and foreign terrorists. For that reason, it recommended the creation of a QRF.
There is some urgency to the proposal as the remaining National Guard troops at the Capitol Complex are set to depart this weekend. On May 14, House leaders introduced a $1.9 billion bill to cover the costs of securing the nation’s capital so far and to provide emergency funds for the future. There’s no word yet on when to expect a vote by the full House on the measure.
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