National Guard soldiers rest in the lobby of the Capitol Visitor Center on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Jan. 13.
According to reports, at least 5,000 members of the U.S. National Guard will be stationed in Washington, D.C., until mid-March. More than a dozen House Republicans have asked the Defense Department to explain the reasons for doing so.
Michael Waltz, Mark Green and 12 other House Republicans sent a joint letter to Acting Army Secretary John E. Whitley asking for a brief explanation of the threat assessment and all related intelligence about the Capitol.
“Our intent is to address in the briefing the ongoing threat to the Capitol, the rationale for the decision to maintain a significant military presence through mid-March, and plans for the use of forces during that Time.”
The letter continued, “You know this better than anyone: the men and women of our National Guard deployed at short notice and were forced to leave their families and jobs.”
“And, given the Communist virus (COVID-19), social unrest, natural disasters and ongoing overseas demands, the National Guard has been under unprecedented strain on its military strength over the past year. The National Guard should be used as an option of last resort. On behalf of the men and women of the National Guard, we are seeking clarification and justification. They have kept us safe over the past month and year.”
More than 20,000 National Guardsmen were stationed in Washington after the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol and before Biden was sworn in.
A National Guard spokesman confirmed that at least 5,000 members are to remain in Washington until mid-March.
Maj. Matt Murphy: “The National Guard has been asked to continue to support federal law enforcement agencies with 7,000 members as we continue to work to meet the support needs following the presidential inauguration, which will be reduced to 5,000 by mid-March.”
He added, “We are providing assistance to state, regional and federal agencies with security, communications, emergency transport to medical appointments, logistics and security support.”
The U.S. Army did not respond to a request for comment.
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