Washington, D.C. – In an effort to avert a government shutdown and address growing concerns about lawmaker security, House Republicans have unveiled a plan that includes $30 million in additional funding for the protection of members of Congress. The proposal comes just days after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk during a campus speaking event in Utah, highlighting the increasing risks faced by public figures.
What Happened
To prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month, Republicans have proposed a continuing resolution (CR) to extend current government funding levels through November 21, 2025. This will allow time for further negotiations between House and Senate leaders. The proposed measure also includes $30 million for enhanced security measures for lawmakers, with a focus on bolstering protection both in Washington, D.C., and in members’ districts across the country.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has indicated that the CR will be put to a House-wide vote on Friday, followed by Senate consideration. President Donald Trump must sign the measure into law by October 1, the start of fiscal 2026, to avoid a government shutdown.
What the Legislation Includes
The security funding increase proposed in the CR includes a $30 million boost to a mutual aid fund shared between Capitol Police and local law enforcement. This fund traditionally covers the cost of security services for lawmakers in their home districts. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., the Chair of the House Administration Committee, emphasized that this funding is part of broader efforts to ensure the safety of members, especially following recent tragedies involving political violence, including the assassination of Minnesota state lawmaker and Charlie Kirk.
Additionally, the measure honors a $58 million request from the Trump administration for security funding for the judicial and executive branches, and it includes $1 billion for Washington, D.C.’s annual budget.
Who Was Involved
Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.): The House Administration Committee Chair, who briefed lawmakers on security options and proposed adding $30 million to the mutual aid fund.
Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.): Fitzgerald expressed the need for a longer-term solution for lawmaker security, emphasizing the significant cost of providing 24/7 protection for all 435 members of Congress.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.): Burchett raised concerns in a closed-door conference meeting about the adequacy of current Capitol security and said he was still undecided about supporting the CR.
Charlie Kirk: The conservative speaker and Turning Point USA founder, whose assassination on September 25, 2025, while speaking at a campus event in Utah, has prompted heightened concerns regarding political violence.
Donald Trump: The former president’s administration had previously requested additional security funding, which was included in the latest proposed legislation.
Career/Legacy or Background
The continuing resolution (CR) proposal reflects the growing importance of security for lawmakers in the current political climate. The politicization of violence and increased threats against public figures have sparked bipartisan concern. House Republicans, particularly in the wake of Kirk’s assassination, are calling for stronger protections for elected officials.
Security funding and efforts to ensure the safety of public servants have become critical talking points in the broader discussion on political violence and public safety. The proposed legislation, while addressing short-term needs, raises questions about the long-term strategies to safeguard lawmakers, their families, and their constituents.
Public/Social Media Reactions
The proposal has been met with mixed reactions on social media. Republicans, especially conservative voices, have largely supported the increased funding for security, emphasizing the dangers lawmakers face due to escalating political violence. However, Democratic lawmakers have expressed frustration with the process and the lack of involvement in the decision-making process, with some threatening to oppose the CR en masse.
Criticism has also been directed at the politicized nature of the funding increase, with some arguing that the legislation is more focused on re-election concerns than on genuine safety improvements. Others have raised questions about the long-term effectiveness of merely increasing funding without addressing broader security infrastructure.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.) and other lawmakers have stressed that the $30 million increase is just a starting point and that future efforts will focus on long-term security improvements. However, some lawmakers have raised concerns that the proposed funding won’t be sufficient to address the real security risks facing members of Congress, particularly in light of recent high-profile incidents.
As of now, Speaker Mike Johnson remains committed to moving forward with the CR vote on Friday. However, with House Democrats threatening to oppose the bill, Johnson will need near-unanimous support from his narrow GOP majority to pass the legislation.
Conclusion
The $30 million security funding boost proposed in the House Republican continuing resolution reflects the escalating concerns about political violence and lawmaker safety in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination and the Minnesota lawmaker’s death. While the bill seeks to address immediate security needs, the long-term solution remains a point of contention, with Republicans and Democrats at odds over the best path forward.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
