Rep. Steel Seeks Answers on National Guard Mistreatment in the Capitol

Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-48) sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Acting House Sergeant at Arms Timothy P. Blodgett and Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman seeking answers on the mistreatment of the National Guard troops who are stationed at the U.S. Capitol following this week’s inaugural event. Following the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, more than 26,000 National Guard troops were deployed to Washington, D.C. ahead of President Joe Biden’s inauguration. This week it was reported that these men and women were told to evacuate the congressional buildings and use the garages and outdoor spaces to rest. Hours after this news broke, the troops were able to go back inside, but questions remain about why and how this decision was made.

You can read an excerpt of the letter below.

“On January 21, 2021, numerous media reports and photos were published showing these same National Guard troops sleeping on the floor of the Capitol complex garages. It was reported that these men and women, without explanation, were told to “vacate the Capitol and nearby congressional buildings,” and were told to “their rest breaks during their 12-hour shifts outside and in parking garages.” On January 21, the temperature at night was in the low 30s, and many of these spaces are not well heated. It was also reported that one bathroom with only two stalls was made available for 5,000 troops. In addition to the violence we witnessed as a nation on January 6th, together we are still fighting back against a once-in-a-generation pandemic. It was reported that more than 100 National Guard troops have tested positive for COVID-19, and these unacceptably unsanitary, cold, and tight quarters are a major concern as these men and women try to not only keep us safe, but to stay safe from this deadly virus. This, without question, is totally unacceptable.

“Simply put, the men and women who protect us also deserve our protection. They deserve our support, and I am writing to you today to know why our troops were treated this way. I would like to know who made the decision to move these men and women outside, with limited safe and sanitary rest areas, and what type of health and security consultations were made before making this decision.”

You can view the full letter here.

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