The fallout from the Capitol Hill riots will likely bleed into February. In an effort to increase protection for federal buildings and lawmakers, Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda D. Pittman has proposed putting up permanent fencing around the United States Capitol. In addition to fencing, Pittman has also proposed having additional law enforcement at the Capitol.
"We all have the same goal — to prevent what occurred on January 6 from ever happening again," Pittman said.
"In light of recent events, I can unequivocally say that vast improvements to the physical security infrastructure must be made."
Seven-foot fencing was placed outside the Capitol following the Capitol Hill Riots on January 6. However, it is only intended to be kept up for 30 days. While lawmakers in Washington, D.C. do not appear opposed to additional law enforcement, they do not appear in favor of permanent barriers between the residents of the city and the lawmakers in the nation's capital.
"Just building an unscalable fence with barbed wire all the way around is just not the right solution," Washington, D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen said.
"It cuts off the Capitol from the community that are its neighbors. It's not just the palace halls of democracy — this is part of a community."
Washington, D.C. Muriel Bowser has already reported that additional National Guard Troops will remain in the city through the upcoming impeachment trial and March 4, the original date set for presidential inaugurations. However, she is also opposed to permanent fencing.
"When the time is right, the fencing around the White House and U.S. Capitol, just like the plywood we've seen on our businesses for too long, will be taken down," Bowser said.
Neither Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer nor House Majority Leder Steny Hoyer have weighed in on the matter.
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