GOP pull down Capitol metal detectors after its members were fined thousands for dodging them
The Republicans may not have a speaker, but they appear to have made one change in the House
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The new Republican majority in Congress has decided to remove the metal detectors that outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi installed outside the House chamber after the Capitol riot on January 6, according to Rep Lauren Boebert.
“When I arrived in Congress two years ago, Nancy Pelosi put this hunk of garbage outside of the House chambers for members of Congress to go through,” Ms Boebert of Colorado said in a video in front of a metal detector being hauled down on Tuesday. “Today, they are being removed and we are turning Pelosi’s house back into the People’s House.”
Republican members of the chamber chafed against the presence of the metal detectors, meant to keep members safe in the midst of an increase in political violence in the US and fears that Republican members were carrying weapons onto the floor.
Kevin McCarthy vote – latest: GOP leader loses second House speaker ballot as opponents rally around Jordan
AOC reveals why she was chatting with GOP opponent who fantasised about killing her in anime video- AOC praised for patient smiling and nodding while talking to GOP opponent who posted anime of him killing her
On numerous occasions, Republican members of the House like Ms Boebert and Rep Matt Gaetz of Florida attempted to reach the House floor without going through the security checkpoints, in some cases pushing past Capitol police officers to get there.
Democrats established fines for not going through the security checkpoints — $5,000 for a first offence, $10,000 for a second offence — and the House Ethics Committee ended up levying fines to six members in 2021 including Reps Louie Gohmert of Texas, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, and Rep Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania.
GOP lawmakers accused Ms Pelosi herself of failing to enter the chamber through a security checkpoint shortly after they were installed.
The conflict over the metal detectors was one of several issues Republicans took with the Democrats’ logistical operation of the House during the last Congress. Republicans also incurred fines for refusing to wear masks on the floor of the House, while police found a gun during a security screening of Rep Andy Harris of Maryland in January of 2021.
Now, though, House leadership is changing. The Republican Party retook control of the House following the November midterm elections, while Ms Pelosi stood down as Democratic leader and has been replaced by Rep Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
It is as of yet unclear who the next speaker will be, with Rep Kevin McCarthy struggling to unite the Republican caucus around his bid.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments