Capitol Police Chief Manger Testifies on FY26 Budget and Evolving Threats

FY26 Budget Request and Justification

• 💰 The US Capitol Police (USCP) is requesting a fiscal year 2026 budget of $967 million, a significant increase attributed to expanded mission requirements and the current threat environment.
• 📈 This substantial request, nearly a billion dollars, is necessary due to the department's unique role, which incorporates elements of the FBI, Secret Service, and Federal Protective Services, extending far beyond traditional law enforcement.
• ⚠️ The increased threat climate is a primary driver, with threats against members of Congress rising to 9,400 in one year, necessitating a 27% increase in member protective responsibilities since 2023.

Expanded Mission and New Divisions

• 🗺️ The department's mission has expanded exponentially over the past four years, driven by nearly 20 after-action reports and 140 recommendations, including equipping officers with riot gear and developing new departmental policies.
• 🧠 New divisions and teams have been created, such as a standalone Intelligence Services Bureau and the Protection Intelligence Operations Center (PIO), a fusion center for threat intake and coordination.
• 🚀 A rapid response team has been established to support events, demonstrations, and critical incidents, reflecting the evolving operational needs.

Staffing, Training, and Retention

• 🧑‍✈️ The FY26 budget aims to increase sworn personnel to approximately 2,530, with additional hires focused on dignitary protection and other operational entities to reach optimal staffing levels.
• 📚 The department recognizes the need for improved in-service training, leadership development, and enhanced training facilities, acknowledging that current training is often at the minimum required level due to staffing and overtime constraints.
• 🔑 Retention bonuses and student loan repayment programs have been instrumental in decreasing attrition rates and aiding recruitment, positively impacting the department's ability to keep experienced officers.

Collaboration and Technology

• 🤝 The mutual aid program is crucial for nationwide protection responsibilities, with an increasing number of Memorandums of Understanding with state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance member security in their home districts.
• 🌐 The USCP actively participates in the intelligence community nationwide, fostering cooperation with other agencies to identify and mitigate threats effectively.
• 🤖 Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, play a role in modernization, particularly in the screening process with advanced X-ray machines that can identify prohibited items, enhancing security campus-wide.

Budgetary Controls and Future Outlook

• 📊 The department is implementing internal budget controls and has created an inspections unit to identify efficiencies and ensure compliance, aiming for responsible management of taxpayer dollars.
• 🚧 Discussions are ongoing regarding the cost-effectiveness of temporary versus more permanent, low-profile physical security structures, with a focus on optimizing screening areas and equipment.
• ✅ Chief Manger expressed confidence that major issues identified after January 6th, such as concerns about equipment, staffing, and training, have largely been resolved, though individual officer perspectives may vary.