Fact Check: Capitol Police's budget request nears $1 billion amid rising threats.

Fact Check: Capitol Police's Budget Request Nears $1 Billion Amid Rising Threats

What We Know

The claim that the Capitol Police's budget request is nearing $1 billion is supported by recent reports and statements from various sources. According to a report, the Capitol Police has cited a significant increase in threats against lawmakers as a reason for the budget escalation, with the current budget reportedly reaching nearly $1 billion due to these "staggering" threats (source-7). Furthermore, the Capitol Police's budget request for fiscal year 2023 was approximately $734.6 million, which was an increase of $132 million from the previous fiscal year (source-5).

In the context of increasing security needs, the Capitol Police have indicated that they require additional funding to address the rise in threats, which reportedly included 9,474 threats investigated in 2024 alone (source-8).

Analysis

While the claim about the Capitol Police's budget nearing $1 billion is substantiated by reports, it is essential to critically assess the context and sources of this information. The budget request appears to be a response to an alarming increase in threats, particularly following the events of January 6, 2021, which have led to heightened security concerns for lawmakers (source-7).

However, the exact figure of $1 billion may not be officially confirmed in the current budget documents available. The budget request for fiscal year 2023 was approximately $734.6 million, and while there are discussions about future budgets, the claim that the budget is "nearing $1 billion" may be more of a projection or expectation rather than a confirmed figure (source-5).

Additionally, the reliability of the sources varies. While reports from the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Capitol Police provide official context, media reports may introduce bias based on the framing of the narrative surrounding security threats and funding needs (source-4).

Conclusion

Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that the Capitol Police's budget request is nearing $1 billion is partially supported by evidence, but it requires further research to clarify the specifics of the budget request and the context of the figures involved. The current budget is confirmed at approximately $734.6 million, with discussions of future increases, but the assertion of it "nearing $1 billion" may be speculative at this stage. More detailed and updated official budget documents would be necessary to verify the exact figures and justifications.

Sources

1. Testimony of
2. PDF LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, 2023 - United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
3. PDF Statement of J. Brett Blanton Architect of the Capitol
4. Ranking Member Espaillat Statement at FY 2026 United ...
5. PDF Supporting Safer Communities - House Committee on Appropriations
6. Recette du capitol
7. Capitol Police cite Jan. 6, 'staggering' threats, for $1 billion budget
8. Senators call for security funding uptick as Minnesota ...