Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2026 for the Senate Sergeant at Arms and United States Capitol Police.
Senate Subcommittee on Legislative Branch
2025-05-14
Source: Congress.gov
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Transcript
But you guys are waiting on me, so I apologize about that. Right in the middle of votes and another hearing has been interesting. Anyways, looking for my opening statement. I'd like to welcome everyone here to the third and final fiscal year 2026 budget hearing. for the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee. Today, we have us with Chief, is it Manger? Manger? Chief, I know we've talked multiple times. Thank you. I'll be referring to you as Chief because that's more fitting to your title. So I appreciate it so much for you being here. I understand that this is probably your last hearing with us. And so anyways, we sure appreciate you being here. We have Jennifer Hemingway, the Senate Sergeant at Arms.
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Thank you. Both of you guys do phenomenal work. Both agencies work tirelessly to protect members of Congress and our staff, and almost 8 million visitors to the Capitol campus each and every year. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the men and women at the United States Capitol and the Sergeant at Arms for the work they do to keep us safe. The commitment enables us to do our job on behalf of our constituents, and I mean that sincerely. We couldn't do it without you guys. It was never more evident than when you guys are truly willing to jump in front of a bullet force and make sure we get home when, honestly, our family loves us no more, no less than your families do. But it's a service that you guys have decided to do, and I don't take that for granted. ever. So thank you, guys, and thank you for the ones that you had the privilege of serving with. Now I'd like to mention at our first two hearings this year, we're faced with a budget environment that required difficult and important decisions on how we move forward in the coming fiscal year. While we do that, we can't forget that we need to support our agencies and their missions requirements. It's important that every legislative branch agency is responsible and good stewards of the resources and makes wise choices about priorities. This physical year, the Senate Armed Services is requesting 357.4 million, an increase of 46.6 million, which is above the FY25 inactive level. This request includes funding for innovations to enhance the Senate's physical and cybersecurity, state office operations, and member protection. This also includes additional FTEs to support operations across the agency.
The United States Capitol Police budget request is $967.8 million, an increase of $161.3 million, or a 20% increase over the funding level provided in a full year of CRR. The funding level would support continued growth in sworn and civilian staff levels and provide an increase of $52.6 million for general expenses. I want to thank our witnesses for being here today. I look forward to the productive discussion and understand your agency's priorities for the upcoming year. And I'd like to turn to the ranking member, Senator Heinrich, and thank you so much for your patience, sir. No problem. Thank you, Chairman. I want to begin today by just expressing how disappointed I am in President Trump's removal of Dr. Hayden, our Librarian of Congress. As I said when she appeared before us last week, Dr. Hayden has served the American people with distinction, working to bring literacy to every single American. Her removal by the President is both unwarranted and, in my view, improper. Now, turning to today's witnesses, I look forward to hearing from Chief Manger and Mrs. Hemingway. Thank you both for being here today, and thank you to the dedicated professionals at your agencies who provide safety and security to the Senate every day as we carry out our constitutional responsibilities. It is through the dedication of your teams that the American people can visit the U.S. Capitol and witness their government in action. Chief Manger, I want to thank you for your, is it 46 years of service? 46 years of service as you prepare to retire from your current position as Chief of the United States Capitol Police. You served as Chief of Police during a difficult time and focused your efforts on the challenges that the department faced. The Senate is grateful for your service and that of all the Capitol Police.
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