- Satellite phones were given to at least 50 senators as part of new security measures
- The devices are to be used for emergency communication and were offered to all 100 senators in Congress
- The situation comes after Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee last month
At least 50 senators in Congress accepted and received satellite phones for emergency communication as part of new security measures.
People familiar with the measures said the devices are being offered to senators by the Sergeant at Arms, who was appointed shortly after the Capitol Hill siege on Jan. 6, 2021. All 1- senators were offered the satellite phone technology, and it was later found that at least half accepted the devices.
Satellite Phones Part of New Congress Security Measures
Senate administrative staff recommended to all the ones who accepted the devices to keep them in close proximity during their travels. Last month, Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee, as per CBS News.
She said the satellite communication devices were being deployed to "ensure a redundant and secure means of communication during a disruptive event." The Senate Sergeant at Arms added that they act as a security backstop in an emergency that she said takes out communication in parts of the United States.
An advisory by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) noted that satellite phones are a tool used for responding to and coordinating government services in the event of a "man-made" or natural disaster that removes lines of communication.
Furthermore, Gibson opened an office "demonstration space" located in the basement of the Russell Senate Office Building. It would offer senators and staff an exhibition of new home state office security upgrades.
In her testimony, Gibson said that her team provided initial physical security enhancements for 31 officers and improved existing security for 52 others last year. According to Yahoo News, she noted that one of their priorities was maintaining security systems in good working order.
Attacks on Congress Members, Staff
Furthermore, Senate administrators offered "stop the bleed" training for staffers to better equip them in responding to medical emergencies and victims of attacks. In April, the House Sergeant at Arms, William McFarland, said there is "robust participation" in a program that seeks to assist House members in securing their home residences.
He added that House administrators were coordinating with local police departments to help Congress members who conduct events in their home states and to assist in better securing the members' homes.
The situation comes after two congressional aides were attacked this week at the Fairfax, Virginia, office of Representative Gerald E. Connolly. The incidents prompted members of Congress and their staff members to consider additional safety measures in their workplaces outside of Washington.
The two victims were injured on Monday and transported to hospitals after a man wielding a bat entered the district office. The suspect allegedly asked for the congressman before going on a rampage, said the New York Times.
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