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Capitol Police Seek First-Ever $1 Billion Budget as Threat Cases Soar

Appropriators voiced support with sticker shock over costs tied to rising threats.

Overview

  • Chief Michael G. Sullivan testified on March 17 seeking roughly $1.02 billion for fiscal 2027, about a 20% increase over current funding.
  • The department investigated nearly 15,000 threats in 2025, a 58% jump from 2024, and says 2026 is on pace to surpass that level.
  • Staffing stands at about 2,300 sworn officers, with an estimated need for roughly 500 additional personnel as overtime demands sap morale.
  • The request outlines $734 million for salaries and benefits, $273 million for general expenses, and $15.7 million for multiyear security and cybersecurity upgrades, with costs such as nearly $650,000 to staff one extra entry point for eight hours.
  • Protective coverage now extends through mutual aid agreements in all 50 states, while lawmakers expressed support and pressed for specifics on tradeoffs in a constrained budget environment.