Senator Collins Highlights Soaring Threats Against Congress, Calls for Capitol Police Funding

Senate Appropriations Committee Business Meeting

• 📌 The Senate Appropriations Committee convened to consider fiscal year 2026 bills for Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS), Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and the Legislative Branch.
• 🤝 The committee emphasized a commitment to bipartisan collaboration, open sessions, and advancing legislation through regular order, with 92 senators contributing over 6,500 requests to the bills.

Funding Priorities and National Needs

• 📊 The CJS bill supports state and local law enforcement, including the COPS program, funds research in critical scientific and technological fields, and invests in oceans, fisheries, and weather programs.
• 🍎 The Agriculture and FDA bill aims to support farmers, rural communities, food supply safety, nutrition programs, and medical research, with increases for food safety and rural housing.
• 🏛️ The Legislative Branch bill provides funding for Congress and its supporting agencies, including an increase for the Capitol Police.

Addressing Security Concerns

• ⚠️ Senator Susan Collins highlighted that the number of threats against members of Congress has soared over the past few years.
• 👮 The bill reflects a bipartisan commitment to address these security concerns by providing increased funding for the Capitol Police to meet expanding mission requirements and ensure the safety of members, staff, and visitors.