Soon-to-be Majority Whip Sen. Dick Durbin said Tuesday the United States Capitol complex “will never be the same,” in terms of security after the Jan. 6 insurrection, even suggesting there will “probably” be metal detectors placed outside the Senate chamber, which have already been installed on the House side.
“There will be metal detectors in the House and probably in the Senate. There will be limited access to certain parts of the building. I’m sure that the guard of the perimeter of the building will be enhanced,” Durbin said as he left Secretary of State nominee Antony Blinken’s confirmation hearing.
“We're reaching a point where it is — if we have to fear that some members will bring firearms on the floor or visitors will, then we have to take extra precautions,” Durbin said.
He also said, however, that he hasn’t spoken to incoming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer about placing metal detectors in front of the Senate chamber and it’s his decision.
When CNN's Ryan Nobles asked whether he shares concerns about some members of Congress being involved in the Capitol riot in the days leading up to it, Durbin replied that if any were involved “they need to be held personally responsible.”
“I don’t have any evidence. I’ve heard the rumors,” he continued.
On Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s floor remarks today where he said President Trump “provoked” the Capitol attack, Durbin said that as days pass the Kentucky Republican gets “stronger in his rhetoric” about the events of Jan. 6. “I think he takes it very seriously,” Durbin said.
The Illinois Democrat said that he has his “fingers crossed” that Schumer and McConnell can reach a power-sharing agreement by the end of today, when asked by CNN’s Phil Mattingly. “The sooner the better,” he said, adding that it could take more than one negotiation session.
Asked if he would support delaying the start of the impeachment trial, he replied: “I can support making sure that it fits into the rest of the schedule.. we need to get President Biden his team. America is in a terrible situation with this pandemic. We have issues of national security that are still in front of us.”
On timing of the impeachment trial and nominations on the Senate floor, Durbin said it’s up to leadership, but they will also need cooperation from senators.