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FEC says lawmakers may use campaign funds on home security

FILE - In this June 14, 2017 file photo, a Capitol Hill Police officer stands his post at the entrance to the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill in Washington. U.S. Capitol Police have investigated more threats to members of Congress in the first six months of the year than in all of 2016, says the chief law enforcement official for the House, as Majority Whip Steve Scalise remains hospitalized after a gunman opened fire at a baseball practice nearly a month ago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE - In this June 14, 2017 file photo, a Capitol Hill Police officer stands his post at the entrance to the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill in Washington. U.S. Capitol Police have investigated more threats to members of Congress in the first six months of the year than in all of 2016, says the chief law enforcement official for the House, as Majority Whip Steve Scalise remains hospitalized after a gunman opened fire at a baseball practice nearly a month ago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

By Associated Press July 13, 2017 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Election Commission has voted 5-0 to let lawmakers use campaign funds to upgrade security systems at their homes after a House member was critically wounded in a shooting last month.

The commission cited rising threats of violence against members of Congress in making its decision.

The commission is basing its decision on request from Paul Irving, the chief law enforcement official for the House. Irving says threats against members of Congress have soared from 902 last year to 950 about halfway through this year. The commission’s decision also comes after the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (skuh-LEES’) of Louisiana.

The commission says if the threat environment diminishes significantly, then Thursday’s conclusion may change. Federal law generally prohibits lawmakers from converting campaign funds to personal use.