Pelosi calls for security overhaul, '9/11-type commission' to probe Capitol attack

Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has announced a series of a measures to increase security for lawmakers in the wake of the assault on the Capitol building while calling for the creation of a commission to conduct a large-scale investigation into the "terrorist mob attack on Jan. 6."

The California Democrat told her colleagues in a letter Tuesday night that they need to "establish a 9/11-type commission" to probe and report the causes and security failures that made it possible for a mob of supporters of former President Donald Trump to breach the building, sending lawmakers certifying the election win of President Joe Biden into hiding.

At least five people died as a direct result of the attack, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick who was lying in honor at the Capitol Rotunda Tuesday night.

Pelosi also said the ongoing security threat members of Congress face necessitates an emergency supplemental funding bill.

"The security of the U.S. Capitol Complex and all who serve and work in it is of the highest priority," she wrote. "Protecting the Capitol, which is the heart of our democracy, is essential to upholding our constitutional duty to serve those whom we are privileged to represent."

To ensure the safety of lawmakers, the House Sergeant at Arms and the U.S. Capitol Police force will be partnering with several federal law enforcement agencies to increase security for the congressmen as they travel to and from Washington, D.C., Pelosi said.

The call for increased funding comes nearly a week after the Department of Homeland Security issued a rare National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin warning of "a heightened threat environment across the Untied States" that will persist for weeks following last month's presidential inauguration.

Pelosi also encouraged those in the building during the breach to seek trauma resources and to record their recollections of the event on camera as "it is important to facilitate an accurate personal record and for the healing process for our Congress and indeed, country."

The letter was sent as the House voted to pass a rule change to fine lawmakers who bypass metal detectors to enter the House Chamber.

The metal detectors were installed last month to the anger of some Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado.

In response, Pelosi announced they would vote to fine lawmakers who bypass the protocol $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for a second.

"It is beyond comprehension why any member would refuse to adhere to these simple, commonsense steps to keep this body safe," Pelosi said in a separate statement, stating that some lawmakers physically pushed past police and attempted to bring firearms into the chamber despite being told not to.

"It is sad that we have been forced to move forward with a rule change imposing fines on those who refuse to abide by these protections, but the People's House must and will be safe, so that we can honor our responsibility to do the People's work," she said.

Security at the Capitol has been of growing concern following the attack, with Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman last week urging for improvements to the complex's physical security infrastructure, including permanent physical fencing and back-up forces in closer proximity.

Pittman said improvements to security have been recommended since 2001, including the installation of permanent fencing in 2006.

On Thursday, 32 bipartisan lawmakers wrote to the House leaders to increase security not only for them but for their staff and families amid an increase in threats over the last few years.