Members of Congress are concerned that House Sergeant-at-Arms William Walker’s proposal for sophisticated new electronic identification programs to monitor and control who can enter any part of the U.S. Capitol complex could become a civil liberties nightmare.
“We must ensure we are protecting the rights of citizens to petition their elected officials, and legislative activities guaranteed by the Constitution. I have serious concerns that implementing a system that would potentially track the movements of members, visitors, staff, and the press would have a chilling effect on how Congress operates,” Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) told The Epoch Times.
“Additionally, any changes to security processes should be done in a way that engages with both chambers, and members from both parties. In recent years, we have seen politics enter into far too many security decisions, and the results are never good. I hope this doesn’t become the latest example.”
Davis is the top Republican member of the House Committee on Administration, which would have oversight authority over the proposed system if it becomes a reality.
“Working in collaboration with this subcommittee and the Capitol Police Board, I would like to institute a Capitol Access Verification Entry System (CAVES) program. The system would ensure Members of Congress and the USCP [United States Capitol Police] know exactly who is entering the Capitol Complex, and for how long,” Walker told the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch.
“CAVES would be a security model based on a strict identity verification process. Having a secure ID with the proper electronic devices and software to validate highly secure government identification is an essential starting point for the CAVES system,” Walker told the appropriations sub-panel.
Walker’s proposal comes amid growing concerns across the Capitol about reports that Capitol Police are mounting an intensive intelligence monitoring effort aimed at accumulating massive amounts of information on every individual entering the complex, regardless of their purpose.
Walker didn’t respond by press time to The Epoch Times’ request for comment, nor did House Administration Committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.).
The monitoring was begun last year following the events of Jan. 6.
In their letter, the seven House members said they have “grave concern regarding reports that the Capitol Police Board has directed the United States Capitol Police (USCP) to conduct background checks and other forms of intelligence gathering on Members of Congress, staff, contractors, visitors to the Capitol Complex, and attendees participating in off-campus and district-based events.”
The Capitol Police Board, which includes all four of those receiving the letter, directly oversees the USCP operations.
“A decision to expand background checks and intelligence-gathering to a previously un-surveilled group of individuals constitutes a dramatic and troubling expansion of the USCP’s authority,” the seven Republicans wrote.
The letter also said Walker is implementing an “‘insider threat awareness program’ ... in coordination with the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the [FBI] to identify ‘employees who lose their compass’ and individuals whose ’allegiance has changed.'”
A working group and initial training efforts are in place for CAVES and the insider awareness initiative. At least one person in every congressional office is to be trained to identify suspicious behavior among colleagues that may indicate a potential threat to Capitol Hill security.
In addition to Armstrong and Davis, signers include Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), Rep. Trey Nehls (R-Texas), and Rep. Brian Stiel (R-Wis.).
Jordan is the top GOP member of the House Judiciary Committee, while Banks is chairman of the House Republican Study Committee (RSC).
Civil liberties concerns about Walker’s proposal also are being voiced among liberal and conservative advocacy groups.