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House votes to boost lawmakers' home security systems

By Ray Downs
Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah, is seen on the first day of the 114th Congress inside the House Chambers of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2015. On June 26, Love proposed an amendment that would allow lawmakers to use taxpayer funds to pay for private home security systems. The amendment passed with support from both parties. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah, is seen on the first day of the 114th Congress inside the House Chambers of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2015. On June 26, Love proposed an amendment that would allow lawmakers to use taxpayer funds to pay for private home security systems. The amendment passed with support from both parties. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

July 26 (UPI) -- The House voted to use taxpayer funds to pay for private home security systems for members of Congress.

Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah, introduced an amendment to a national security spending bill for the funds, which won bipartisan support in a voice vote. The measure was in response to a June shooting at a Republican baseball practice, which seriously wounded House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana

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"We do not face these threats because we are candidates for office, but because we are sitting members of Congress," Love said, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. "This amendment will give members the ability to protect themselves and their families if they need to."

The use of public monies to add security to congressional members' homes has won acceptance since the June shooting. Earlier this month, the Federal Elections Commission ruled that lawmakers can use campaign funds to boost security on their homes. And in June, the House approved a bill that gave an additional $25,000 to lawmakers for enhanced private security.

The House sergeant of arms said Capitol Police had investigated more threats against lawmakers so far in 2017 than in all of 2016, reported The Hill.

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"Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a time where this is needed," said Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La. "We need to make sure that we safeguard ourselves in this rising time of new threats and dangers."

Love said her home address was posted on social media, with the following message: "We have signed your death certificate. You won't see us coming."

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