The House Sergeant at Arms is creating a new residential security program for members of the House of Representatives. On August 15, your tax dollars will begin going toward the home security systems of members of Congress.

House Sergeant at Arms William Walker noted an increase in threats received by members of Congress. Many members are receiving threats at their homes. In order to help secure the private residences of lawmakers, Walker will offer up to $10,000 worth of expenses for security equipment such as cameras, video recorders, door locks, and motion sensors at representatives’ homes, according to a letter sent to Congressional members and staff. The new home security benefit for members of Congress doesn’t just include the cost of the equipment itself, it also includes the cost of monthly monitoring fees and maintenance.

“The Sergeant at Arms (SAA) will assume the cost of and oversee certain future residential security upgrades, maintenance, and monthly monitoring fees. This program will strengthen the security of Members of the House of Representatives and their families,” Walker wrote.

The program is set to begin on Aug. 15 and will also cover fixed-rate monthly monitoring and maintenance fees up to $150 a month for members.

There is no denying that we live in a volatile time. Democrats like to point to right-wing extremism and Republicans point to the long history of political violence that the Democrats have. It’s interesting that the House Sergeant at Arms is acting to provide a layer of protection for House members at a time that many Americans are calling for additional protection for conservative justices on the Supreme Court. The House dragged its feet in passing a bill to increase security for the justices’ immediate families. The Senate passed the measure by unanimous consent before the House acted.

The annual salary for rank and file members of Congress is $174,000. That is a very generous salary compared to what the average American makes. I imagine that this new perk for Congress will not sit well with many Americans. Who is paying for home security systems for average Americans feeling the need to protect themselves and their families against rising threats of criminal activity in communities across the country? Business must be good for home security companies due to the lawlessness of Biden’s America. All measures of criminal activity are up in most cities, whether it is carjacking or home burglaries.

The program will not be made available to members of Congress who are not running for reelection or who do not win reelection in November.

Several high-profile members of Congress have sought out increased security in the past, with multiple members of the Jan. 6 select committee having procured security details amid an uptick in threats. But the new program will not be made available to members, including those on the panel, who are not seeking reelection or don’t win their races in November.

The funding to provide ramped-up security comes as threats against members reached an all-time high, according to data released by the U.S. Capitol Police earlier this year.

Rep. Lauren Boebert put her own twist to the new home security program. Her question will not be a surprise to her constituents.

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) reacted to news of the letter with a tweet that said, “It’s being reported that the House Sergeant at Arms is creating a new residential security program where Members of Congress will receive $10k to secure their residences. So, can I buy more AR-15s to secure my residence with this?”

Taxpayers are getting the short end of the deal once again. Taxpayers fund the federal budget which funds Congress. The benefits provided to members of Congress are generous, as are their salaries. It seems like they should be able to pay for their own home security, doesn’t it? I’d think that most of them already have home security systems in place. I don’t want to see any member of Congress be harmed by an angry constituent. This protection, however, has a price tag. It is estimated that this new program will cost $4 million.

Last night Punchbowl News managing editor Heather Caygle tweeted out the news of the program.

NEWS: The House Sergeant at Arms is creating a new residential security program

Each member will get $10k to secure their residences, I'm told

Guidance will come out later this afternoon

— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) July 25, 2022

This coming program was announced today in Pelosi's chiefs office meeting by Jamie Fleet, staff director for the House Admin Committee

— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) July 25, 2022

Are members of Congress asking for special protection? Yes. There are 431 members of Congress currently, with four vacancies, and that totals about $4.31 million in upgrades and new security systems. As a side note, the residential security systems will also increase the value of the Members homes. A bonus on top of their new benefit.