WASHINGTON – Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar was one of only three House Democrats to vote against a $1.9 billion spending measure that would heighten Capitol security after the Jan. 6 attack.
"A bill that pours $1.9 billion into increased police surveillance and force without addressing the underlying threats of organized and violent white supremacy, radicalization and disinformation that led to this attack will not prevent it from happening again," said Omar in a joint statement, along with representatives Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Cori Bush of Missouri.
The legislation barely passed by a vote of 213 to 212, with three other Democrats voting neither for nor against.
The vote comes amid renewed scrutiny of the Jan. 6 insurrection, which resulted in damage and death and continues to be a lightning rod issue that can fiercely divide Republicans and Democrats in Congress.
The spending measure includes nearly $530 million focused toward physical security improvements within the Capitol complex, according to a summary of the legislation, as well as $200 million to create a "quick reaction force" designed to support Capitol Police. Another $18 million would be spent on body cameras, training and riot control equipment for Capitol Police.
"To be honest, we have not really been made to understand how the money will actually increase the safety," Omar told reporters, according to Roll Call. "And I could just not justify this vote."
The spending on the quick reaction force specifically drew the Democratic trio's ire, who pointed out in their statement that less money is focused on counseling for people who were there on Jan. 6.
They also cited concerns over police brutality in local communities and the need for "a comprehensive investigation and response" that speaks to the "the root cause of the insurrection: white supremacy."
