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Betty McCollum

Democratic

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Image for House Democrats request cots for National Guard troops stationed in Capitol
via: thehill.com

House Democrats request cots for National Guard troops stationed in Capitol

Democratic Reps. Rosa DeLauro Rosa DeLauroDemolition at the Labor Department, too Lawmakers briefed on 'horrifying,' 'chilling' security threats ahead of inauguration Pelosi orders flags at half-staff for Capitol officer who died MORE (Conn.) and Betty McCollum Betty Louise McCollumOVERNIGHT ENERGY: Biden eyes new leadership at troubled public lands agency | House progressives tout their growing numbers in the chamber at climate rally | Trump administration pushes for rollback of Arctic offshore drilling regulations Disagreements are a part of our process OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Trump extends Florida offshore drilling pause, expands it to Georgia, South Carolina | Democrats probe Park Service involvement in GOP convention | Sanders attacks 'corporate welfare' to coal industry included in relief package MORE (Minn.) are calling on the Army to provide cots for National Guard troops stationed at the U.S. Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden Joe BidenCotton: Senate lacks authority to hold impeachment trial once Trump leaves office Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will introduce impeachment articles against Biden ICE acting director resigns weeks after assuming post MORE's inauguration.

The two lawmakers, who are both members of the House Appropriations Committee, sent a letter to Army Secretary Ryan McCarthyRyan McCarthyOvernight Defense: Trump impeached for second time | National Guard at Capitol now armed, swelling to 20K troops for inauguration | Alabama chosen for Space Command home National Guard arms troops providing Capitol security 'I saw my life flash before my eyes': An oral history of the Capitol attack MORE on Thursday after photographs emerged showing troops sleeping on the floor with their firearms at their sides.

“We were disappointed though to see in a variety of images in the media, that Guard personnel are having to take breaks or rest on the floors of the Capitol. Staff were on the call with Vice Chief of Staff General [Joseph] Martin, and understand that not all Guard personnel currently have secured lodging, and that the Army is considering utilizing the convention center for lodging,” the lawmakers wrote in their one-page letter.

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“With the uncertainty for needed rest and recoup time in flux, and to ensure that the Guard members are fully able to execute their protection mission, we urge you to make available cots or other equipment to more easily facilitate their ability to rest while they are on Capitol grounds.”

I share @BettyMcCollum04's gratitude for the National Guard members protecting our Capitol. Like so many, I was disappointed to see them resting on the marble floors. We must ensure they are comfortable as they protect our democracy. https://t.co/FzodO4DMrZ — Rosa DeLauro (@rosadelauro) January 14, 2021

The D.C. National Guard said earlier that the troops were resting between shifts and that the Capitol is “not where they are lodging when they are off-duty.”

National Guard troops were deployed to the Capitol following last week’s deadly attack that forced a joint session of Congress to temporarily delay certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory.

Five people died in last week’s riot, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick.

Over 20,000 armed guardsmen are expected to be in Washington, D.C., for Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.