House boosts travel security measures for lawmakers amid heightened threats – By Rebecca Kaplan (CBS News)/ January 29 2021
The Acting House Sergeant at Arms has created an online portal for members to share their travel plans to assure local law enforcement agencies are aware of their movements, according to an email obtained by CBS News that was sent to members of Congress and their staff Thursday evening. The Sergeant at Arms will work with U.S. Capitol Police to communicate with local agencies, although the email also encourages members “to establish relationships and coordinate with their local airport police and TSA officials.”
U.S. Capitol Police will also provide extra security at D.C.-area airports and train stations on days with increased lawmaker travel. “USCP will not be available for personal escorts. However, they will be in place to monitor as Members move throughout the airport,” the email reads.
The guidance is part of a broader security memo for lawmakers and their staff from Acting Sergeant at Arms Timothy Blodgett, who is responsible for the security of members and the House side of the U.S. Capitol complex.
CBS News is not publishing the full memo because it contains specific information about internal Capitol security resources.
