National Guard departs Capitol as lawmakers debate security, 'quick reaction' force

As National Guard troops depart the U.S. Capitol this week after a nearly five-month mission, lawmakers debate whether to have a "quick reaction" force in the future.

National Guard troops are returning home this week after deploying to the nation's capital for nearly five months to safeguard the U.S. Capitol complex in the wake of the deadly insurrection there. But with security threats after Jan. 6 still a heightened concern, lawmakers are arguing about how to address ongoing security matters and whether a quick reaction force is needed in the future. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi thanked a group of troops from the speaker's balcony on Monday and called on the Senate to act on a supplemental funding bill to help secure the Capitol, as well as pass a bill that would set up the Jan. 6 commission to investigate the attack. "It is imperative that Congress continues to take action to honor the sacrifice of law enforcement and to protect the Capitol," Pelosi said in a statement. "There is no time to waste or room for partisanship in keeping our Capitol and Country safe."