Pelosi says legislators who bypass metal detectors could soon be fined $10,000

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi said she would file a change on the Capitol’s security policy on Jan. 21 for voting by the members of House.
• Nancy Pelosi said the measure is necessary to ensure the safety of the Chamber of the People’s House.
• Many Republicans are against the proposal, saying that the measure would violate their rights.

Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, D-Calif., announced on Wednesday that any legislator who declines to undergo the new metal detector inspection procedure in the U.S. Capitol may be slapped with series of fines with the proposed policy change. While Pelosi believes the restriction is terrible, she also sees it as a requirement following the refusal of many Republicans.

The House Speaker said she would present the change on Jan. 21, where the House will yet to decide on its passage. The declaration was following the report by HuffPost’s Matt Fuller, saying that no less than 10 Republicans won’t follow the safety measure.

The device was mounted just outside the House chamber after the rioting that erupted at the Capitol, which led to the death of five, including an officer of  Capitol Police.

In her statement, Pelosi expressed disappointment, saying

“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.”

Members of the House will be penalized with $5,000 for the first time and $10,000 for the second offense, and the fines will be withheld from their wages.

Several Republicans are specifically upset with the proposal, saying that they regularly undergo inspection with metal detectors during their travels.

Rep. Greg Steube,  R-Fla., criticized the usage of machines, saying it was a terrible violation of his rights. 

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said the security procedure will be

“unnecessary, unconstitutional, and endanger[ed] members.”

Meanwhile, recently elected Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., just passed through the inspection and rejected the officer’s request to go over her purse.

Rep.Boebert is one of many legislators who is outspoken about firearm carrying, explaining she is lawfully allowed to bring so in the Capitol. Another rookie representative, Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., said he was equipped with a weapon during Capitol’s violence last week.

The interim House sergeant at arms explained to members this week that metal detectors were installed to guarantee the safety and security of the establishment. He further noted that weapons are limited only to a legislator’s own office.

Source: Huffpost