The Supreme Court rejected an appeal by three Republican congressmen who were fined by the House for avoiding security scanners following the Capitol riot on January 6. The court’s decision signifies a stance that internal Congressional matters should not be interfered with by external bodies. In a separate incident, a Republican congressman was turned away after being caught carrying a concealed handgun in the House chamber, prompting the implementation of metal detectors.
The congressmen, Andrew Clyde, Lloyd Smucker, and Louie Gohmert, refused to pay the fines imposed on them and filed a lawsuit against House officials, citing a violation of the Constitution’s 27th Amendment. However, the court upheld the notion that such matters fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress. The metal detectors were eventually removed after Republicans gained a House majority, but controversies continued, with calls for reinstating a rule banning guns from committee rooms.
Despite attempts to challenge the fines and security measures, the Supreme Court’s decision reaffirms the principle of separation of powers, maintaining that Congressional affairs are not subject to judicial oversight. The incidents surrounding dodging security measures highlight ongoing tensions and concerns regarding safety and security within the Capitol building, underscoring the complexities of balancing access and protection in the seat of American democracy.