US Lawmakers Report Increased Threats Linked to Health Care Vote

25 March 2010

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland speaks during a press conference after the House passed health care reform in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Sunday, March 21, 2010

Several Congressional Democrats say they are worried for their safety because of threats linked to the passage of controversial health care reform legislation this week. House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Wednesday that officials from the FBI and Capitol Police have briefed lawmakers on how to handle security threats

Maryland Democrat Steny Hoyer said that he and Republican congressional leaders have discussed implementing new security precautions for lawmakers after an increase in threats following Sunday's health care reform vote and accompanying anti-reform protests outside the Capitol over the weekend.

Hoyer said there have been at least four acts of vandalism against Democratic House members that are linked to their votes on health care.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating cut fuel lines at the Virginia home of Democratic Representative Tom Perriello's brother, whose address was posted online by a right-wing blogger who said it was the lawmaker's address.

Hoyer also said that at least 10 House members have received threats to themselves or their families and that the Capitol Police have been alerted.