White House Requests $58M Security Funding After Kirk Assassination/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The White House has requested $58 million in new security funding for executive and judicial officials following Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The proposal is being folded into stopgap funding negotiations as lawmakers face a shutdown deadline. Leaders from both parties are urging stronger protection measures and less political rhetoric.
White House Security Funding Request: Quick Looks
- Funding Request: $58 million sought for executive and judicial branch protection.
- Legislative Vehicle: Part of ongoing stopgap bill to avoid government shutdown.
- Context: Heightened concerns after assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- Precedent: House recently expanded security programs after shootings targeting state lawmakers.
- Usage: 60 Democrats and 20 Republicans enrolled in new protections.
- Speaker’s Reassurance: Mike Johnson pledges to calm lawmakers’ security concerns.
- Rhetoric Warning: Johnson urges leaders to tone down political language.
- Capitol Unity: Lawmakers across parties acknowledge risks of inflammatory speech.
- Timing: Request arrives days before funding deadline looms at month’s end.
Deep Look: White House Seeks $58 Million Security Increase After Charlie Kirk Assassination
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is asking Congress for an additional $58 million in security funding for both the executive and judicial branches in the wake of last week’s assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
According to a Republican congressional aide, the request is being considered as part of a stopgap funding measure designed to keep the government operating past the month’s end and avoid a shutdown. Lawmakers are racing against a looming deadline, with House GOP leaders expected to introduce a bill this week.
The funding push, first reported by Punchbowl News, reflects mounting anxiety in Washington over the safety of public officials. Security fears have intensified since Kirk’s killing on September 10 and follow other high-profile attacks, including fatal shootings targeting Minnesota state lawmakers earlier this summer.
Congress Already Expanded Security Measures
In July, House leadership approved additional resources to help protect lawmakers in their home districts, a response to a string of threats and violent incidents. According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, approximately 60 Democrats and 20 Republicans have used the program. He has said Congress should now evaluate what has been effective and what requires improvement.
Johnson Calls for Calm and Stronger Protections
Speaking Sunday on CBS’ Face the Nation, Johnson said he has been working to reassure nervous lawmakers.
“I’ve been talking with a lot of them over the last few days about that and trying to calm the nerves to assure them that we will make certain that everyone has a level of security that’s necessary,” Johnson explained.
The Speaker also emphasized that political leaders have a role to play in reducing tensions, urging members to “turn down the rhetoric.”
“There are some deranged people in society, and when they see leaders using that kind of language so often now, increasingly, it spurs them on to action,” he warned. Johnson added that he was encouraged to see colleagues on both sides of the aisle echoing calls for restraint.
Security Debate Intensifies
The White House’s funding request now places the issue at the forefront of Capitol Hill negotiations. While both Republicans and Democrats acknowledge the urgent need for protection, lawmakers must also balance the request against broader government funding battles.
With Congress facing a shutdown deadline at month’s end, the debate over security in the wake of Kirk’s assassination is set to become part of the larger fight over federal spending.
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