A large group of House Republicans sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Friday to recommend fencing around the Capitol be removed.
Rep. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and 41 of his GOP colleagues sent the letter to counter proposals suggesting the fencing should become permanent, per The Hill.
Fencing was put up around the Capitol following the Jan. 6 riot.
"We write with concerns about the security measures and enhanced fencing around the U.S. Capitol even though high profile events like the inauguration are over," the letter said. "In particular, we are concerned with recent reports that the fencing surrounding the Capitol may become permanent.
"We are willing to have an honest debate about providing Capitol Hill Police with the resources they need to be better prepared without turning the Capitol into a permanent fortress."
The letter proceeded to urge the removal of "barbed wire fencing" and to send home National Guard troops "to their families."
Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., and Rep. Jody Hice, R-Ga., were among the lawmakers who joined Budd's appeal.
Other congressional members have made similar pleas, though few have requested the fencing be removed immediately.
Last month, Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman called for fencing around the Capitol to be made permanent to prevent further violence. Bipartisan lawmakers, however, have said they were worried about the message that would be sent with permament fencing around "The People's House."
"Let us be clear. The events that happened on January 6 were horrific. Understandably, certain increased security measures following that date were implemented," Budd's letter said. "But it is time for Congress and its representatives to stop hiding.
"The U.S. Capitol is a symbol of freedom both at home and abroad. It is a place where Americans from all walks of life can visit, learn about, and witness U.S. history. Sadly, because of the fortress-like security in place, this is no longer the case."
New security measures around the Capitol's vicinity were implemented following the Jan. 6 riot. They included a larger law enforcement presence, more physical obstacles (e.g., fencing) and the deployment of tens of thousands of members of the National Guard to protect President Joe’s Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration.
Approximately 7,000 National Guard troops remained in Washington, D.C., to ensure safety while the Senate conducts its impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump for his role in inciting the Capitol riot.
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