House Security Restrictions Spur Angry Exchange

Lawmakers came back to the Capitol less that a week after the building was stormed by an angry mob with rising anxieties and with some chafing at new security restrictions that forced them through metal detectors to enter the House floor.

The devices were stationed outside three entrances, causing long lines and some delays as members used to walking freely into and out of the chamber had to take phones out of their pockets and pass inspection.

“You guys know the threat is not on the interior side of the building,” said Rep. Rodney Davis, a Republican of Illinois, in an intense exchange with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. “You’re taking valuable resources completely away from where it needs to be and you guys did it without any consultation from the minority.”

Democrats were quick to point out the fact that many Americans have to go through metal detectors to get into school and work. And they said that Republicans brought the new restrictions on themselves by supporting Trump despite his inflammatory rhetoric.

“Now they know how HS students in my district feel,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat of Michigan. “Suck it up buttercups. Y’all brought this on yourselves.”