Defense Media Network

Rogers, Smith Call for Measured Drawdown of National Guard Deployment to the Capitol

By U.S. House of Representatives - March 12, 2021

U.S. Army Sgt. Anthony Larson, right, signal support specialist, and Sgt. Jaren Dalton, combat engineer, both assigned to the 1433rd Engineer Company, Michigan National Guard, stand watch at the inner perimeter of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Feb. 24, 2021. The National Guard has been requested to continue supporting federal law enforcement agencies with security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics, and safety support to state, district and federal agencies through mid-March. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Coda Doyle

U.S. House Armed Services Committee release

Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following joint statement after Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III announced the National Guard deployment at the United States Capitol will be extended by 60 days:

“We are deeply troubled by the current level of security around the United States Capitol. More than two months after the January 6 attack, the seat of our nation’s democracy remains heavily protected by guardsmen and surrounded by a perimeter fence.

“As the U.S. Capitol Police continues to build its personnel capacity, there is no doubt that some level of support from the National Guard should remain in the National Capital Region to respond to credible threats against the Capitol. However, the present security posture is not warranted at this time.

“In addition, we cannot ignore the financial costs associated with this prolonged deployment, nor can we turn a blind eye to the effects it will soon have on the National Guard’s overall readiness. We appreciate our guardsmen answering the call to protect the Capitol, but it’s time for us to review what level of security is required, so they can return home to their families and communities.”