‘The fencing should come down and the Capitol should be reopened to the public’
Several House Republicans say one of the first orders of business if they regain a majority in 2022 will be to take down the security barrier surrounding the Capitol.
The massive fence, erected after rioters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, remains standing. Ten members of Congress told the Washington Free Beacon that the barricade serves no purpose, citing a lack of threats since Jan. 6, and that they would push for its removal.
“Republicans will do everything in their power to ensure the permanent fencing comes down,” Rep. Ralph Norman (R., S.C.) told the Free Beacon. Norman noted that a Republican House would coordinate with the Capitol Police, who play a major role in determining what security measures are needed.
Rep. Lee Zeldin (R., N.Y.) said the fence remains standing not for security but for Democrats to send the message that the Capitol remains under siege from Republicans.
