300 Percent Increase in Threats Against Members of Congress, Capitol Police Chief Says

USCP opening more field offices, boosting hiring to respond to "explosion of threats"

U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger testifies during a Senate hearing on "Oversight of the U.S. Capitol Police Following the January 6th Attack on the Capitol," on Jan. 5, 2022, in Washington DC. Tom Williams/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

A dramatic rise in threats against members of Congress is driving an expansion of the U.S. Capitol Police (UCSP) force, including the opening of satellite offices in three more states over the next year, a joint House-Senate hearing was told on July 26.

The hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building marked the first time the entire U.S. Capitol Police Board testified before both the Committee on House Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. It was also the first time since 1945 that such a bicameral hearing of the committees was convened at the Capitol.