Republican Senate chiefs of staff are advocating for a rule change that would let senators spend official office funds on personal security, Axios reported on Thursday evening.
The push comes in response to the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at a political event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
The manhunt for the killer in that case remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet released any theorized motive.
"The House allows for some funds from Members Representational Allowance (MRAs) to be used to help fortify lawmakers' homes. The Senate does not have provisions to spend their official budget on security," reported Stef W. Kight and Hans Nichols. "Many senators use private security for town halls and other public events, but they pay for it with campaign funds."
According to the report, lawmakers in both parties were horrified by the Kirk assassination and fear they too could become targets of political violence.
"There was widespread support among the staffers for finding ways to ensure senators have appropriate security, given the increase in threats and heated political environment" — although senators have not yet proposed how this would work.
A number of lawmakers have already voiced their own fear, with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) vowing to carry a gun everywhere in response to the tragedy.