Mike Honda: “The amendment I am introducing on behalf of my colleague, Sanford Bishop, would increase the Capitol Police by a modest…”

“The amendment I am introducing on behalf of my colleague, Sanford Bishop, would increase the Capitol Police by a modest $1 million for the district office security for Members. After the shooting of our colleague, Ms. Giffords, the Sergeant-At- Arms and the Capitol Police provided Members with access to security reviews. These reviews and guidelines by the Sergeant-At-Arms provided Members with a litany of equipment and capital improvements that are needed to improve district office security. Even though the recommendations came from our security agencies, Members were left to fund these upgrades through their office budget. When Members' offices are being cut by more than 10 percent in a year, I'm afraid the strain to continue constituent services will impede any Member's ability to pay for these upgrades. I'm hoping this amendment will be a small step in providing a centralized pot of funds so these upgrades do not go ignored. The offset is from a lower priority House account that funds transition costs in 2012. It is not a transition year. {time} 2000”