Lawmakers fumed at the news this week that the National Guard — brought in to protect federal buildings in the wake of the deadly insurrection at U.S. Capitol earlier this month — had to sleep in a parking garage once the inaugural ceremonies had ended.
Photos of the troops circulated widely on social media and drew quick rebuke from members of Congress and other politicians.
“They did an outstanding job serving our nation’s capital in a time of strife and should be graciously praised, not subject to substandard conditions,” New Hampshire Gov. Chris SununutweetedFriday while announcing he had recalled the state’s force.
Arizona Sen. Mark Kellywroteon Twitter that the situation was “unacceptable and must be fixed.”
By Friday morning, officials said the Guard had been moved from the garage,according toThe New YorkTimes.
While troops in the Capitol earlier this month have been sleeping on the floor there as well, a guardsmantold CNNthey also had access to the visitor center.
“The abrupt transfer came Thursday afternoon with no explanation,” thePostreported.
According to theTimes, also citing two members of the Guard, they did not have enough power or heat when they were relocated and, one soldier said, about 1,000 of them were sharing one portable bathroom.
Similar reportscame to lightThursday, as images of the troops formerly stationed within the Capitol showed them sleeping on concrete floors and in tight quarters.
Senator Tim Scott/Twitter
ThePostnoted that while members of the Guard are given hotel rooms, the nature of their shifts make those lodgings difficult to use “so they nap wherever they can.”
Wayne Hall, a National Guard spokesman, explained to PEOPLE that an active guard force is made up of multiple shifts, with guardsmen typically working in 24-hour shifts.
“When they’re not on shift, they still have to be in the area,” Hall says. “They can’t go back to their accommodations … They still need to be on hand in case they need to react or respond, should the whole guard force need to be responsive to a threat.”
Approximately 25,000 National Guard troops from around the countrywere calledto Washington, D.C., to help law enforcement with enhanced security for theinaugural ceremoniesfor PresidentJoe Bidenand Vice PresidentKamala Harris.
“Yesterday dozens of senators and congressmen walked down our lines taking photos, shaking our hands and thanking us for our service,“one guardsman toldPolitico. “Within 24 hours, they had no further use for us and banished us to the corner of a parking garage. We feel incredibly betrayed.”
“I’ve never in my entire career felt like I’ve been booted onto the curb and told, ‘Figure it out on your own,’ " another told thePost.
Others, however, said that sleeping on floors or in uncomfortable areas is standard for members of the Guard, particularly in instances when there are tens of thousands of them in one area.
Rep.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortézwrote onTwitterthat service members were welcome to use her office to take a break “or nap on the couch,” adding that her staff would “stock up on snacks” for them, too.
source: people.com
