While cutting aid for millions of low-income Americans, House Republicans are giving themselves more money for personal security.
Just weeks after slashing Medicaid, the House of Representatives quietly approved new funds to protect lawmakers—boosting their own safety while leaving vulnerable citizens with less.
Lawmakers will now get $20,000 each to beef up security at their homes, plus an extra $5,000 a month through the end of the year for private security services. That adds up to tens of millions in taxpayer money, redirected not to public health or housing—but to politicians’ personal protection.
The new “pilot program” was rolled out ahead of the five-week summer recess. Lawmakers say the funds are necessary due to rising threats, pointing to a violent attack on Minnesota state lawmakers in June as a tipping point.
A statement from the Committee on House Administration confirms the payout:
“Each Member will receive $20,000 to augment security at their residences… and up to $5,000 per month for personal security services.”
The US Capitol Police reported over 9,000 threats against lawmakers in 2024—an 83% spike from last year. That number was cited in defense of the new funding, along with a failed assassination attempt against Donald Trump.
But critics say the timing is impossible to ignore. While House Republicans approved these increases for themselves, they also backed deep cuts to Medicaid, a program that helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled access basic healthcare.
