More than two dozen Senate Democrats are pushing Capitol officials for the expansion of mental health resources in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 siege of the building, The Hill reported Tuesday.
Thirty Democrats signed onto a letter Tuesday letter asking Capitol official James Brett Blanton, acting Senate Sergeant at Arms Jennifer Hemingway, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, and acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman to offer services to to everyone working inside the complex —including journalists caught up in the violent breach — to "cope with the attack," the senators wrote, according to The Hill.
"Capitol workers and journalists investigate and ensure the health of the U.S. Capitol, the very heart of our democracy. Everyone must feel safe, supported and protected while fulfilling their duty within the halls of the United States Congress," the senators wrote.
"We additionally express our concerns regarding the procedures and policies in place to protect and support Members of Congress, their staff, and other essential workers, like contract staff, members of the press corps, and the U.S. Capitol Police … in the United States Capitol both during and after the traumatic event," they added.
During the Capitol building breach, both chambers were evacuated and congressional staffers barricaded themselves in offices.
"As we work toward accountability and governing after the attack, Congress must ensure that support services, including emotional and behavioral health services, and resources are available to and appropriate for all who work in the Capitol to help promote healing," the senators wrote, the Hill reported.
"Many of the Capitol’s essential workers and support staff are contract employees and many do not currently have access to support services" through an employee assistance program, they added.
The letter was spearheaded by Democrat Sens. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, The Hill reported.
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