General Discussion

More than $30 million needed for Capitol repairs and new security after assault, officials say

Cleaning up broken glass, doors and graffiti and securing the U.S. Capitol after the January 6 attack will cost more than $30 million, Capitol staff told lawmakers Wednesday.

"Statues, murals, historic benches and original shutters all suffered varying degrees of damage, primarily from pepper spray accretions and residue from chemical irritants and fire extinguishers," Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton said at a House Appropriations Committee Hearing, according to his prepared testimony. "This damage to our precious artwork and statues will require expert cleaning and conservation."

House Lawmakers have already approved $30 million to address the expenses described by Blanton, whose office is responsible for the operations and care of the group of buildings that make up the Capitol complex, as well as to fund the perimeter fencing that has been constructed around the Capitol.

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Eight different marble and granite busts of former House speakers and notable figures, as well as portraits of James Madison and John Quincy Adams and a statue of Thomas Jefferson, were among the items identified as having potential damage. That damage includes yellow residue from fire extinguisher discharge that can damage the marble. House Curator Farar Elliott asked lawmakers for an additional $25,000 to support emergency repair and conservation of damaged items.