Lawmakers discuss expanding security protections as $20K allowance activates

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are quietly discussing options for expanding personal security protections, according to reports.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (DY) and Rep. Joe Morelle (DY) reportedly held talks with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-Wisc) on the issue.

A senior Democratic committee aide told The Hill that Jeffries and Morelle “regularly discuss innovative solutions to the growing needs for member security” with Johnson and Steil.

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Deputy told Top He said lawmakers are discussing an expansion of the Law Enforcement Coordination Program that would “provide members with a dedicated staff slot and funding to hire staff focused solely on security, including facilitating more timely threat assessments and liaising with law enforcement.”

Morelle said: Interview with Semafor It was stated that the personnel would be “someone who is probably a former law enforcement officer, a former military officer, and meets all the requirements to carry a weapon.”

Jeffries, Morelle, Johnson and Steil also reportedly discussed the possibility of providing members with a security expert “while performing their official duties,” according to The Hill.

House lawmakers have reportedly discussed the possibility of improving the security of members of Congress. (John Whitney/NurPhoto via Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images; Kent Nishimura/Getty Images; Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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The move comes as lawmakers gained access to a new $20,000 security allowance on Monday, according to multiple reports. Members are also expected to have access to the mobile distress system, House Sergeant Major William McFarland said in a letter. It was obtained through polling.

“Services covered include accompanying a Member or providing security of residence in a member’s home,” McFarland’s letter said. it said. He also noted that security personnel hired through the program would not be allowed into the Capitol or its grounds.

Capitol police officers chat on the Capitol steps in Washington, DC, October 20, 2025. (Kylie Cooper/Reuters)

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The move began as a pilot program in which lawmakers were given $5,000 a month for security personnel outside the capitol, according to Roll Call. The outlet noted that the allowance was increased to $10,000 in September and extended through Nov. 21. The program has since been made permanent.

Fox News Digital has contacted Jeffries, Morelle, Johnson and Steil for comment.