Bipartisan outrage from lawmakers and other officials after National Guard members representing several states were moved from the U.S. Capitol to an adjacent congressional garage complete without heat and with car fumes.There was only one bathroom with two stalls, no water fountains and no power strips for the 500-1,000 Guardsman.
Safety was also an issue with vehicles moving about within the garage. Guardsman also needed time to get from the garage to the Capitol for their shifts, walking through a residential neighborhood.
"It's fucked up because it shows how politicians really feel," one Guardsman said. "The day after the inauguration you literally kicked us to the curb?" "I can't believe the same brave servicemen to protect our Capitol and our Constitution would be unceremoniously ordered to vacate the building," Illinois Senator (D) Tammy Duckworth said. Beforehand, 12 Guardsman were removed from their details due to issues with their background checks.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott was amongst those calling for the Guardsman to return home, expressing anger to reports of vetting over concerns of a possible inside job during President Biden's inauguration. "This is the most offensive thing I have ever heard," Biden wrote in a social media post. "No one should ever question the loyalty or professionalism of the Texas National Guard. I authorized 1,000 to go to DC, I will never do it again if they are disrespected like this."
The Guardsman were allowed back into the U.S. Capitol Thursday night after the outcry from lawmakers led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.