I would postulate that the function of the capitol police is first to protect the congressmen and senators, then the citizens who are in the building. It is where the government does their work (if you can call it that), so if there is a threat it is safe to assume that it's a threat to the people who are always there and not to some tourists passing through.
On that assumption, I don't have a problem with congresscritters being able to pop past security. It's no different than flashing your badge to security at work.
The only thing I would have done different in his place is that I wouldn't have justified it with a vote. I would have just said "Hey idiots, I'm not the potential threat, I'm the one you're protecting. Are you afraid I'll harm myself?"
I would postulate that the function of the capitol police is first to protect the congressmen and senators, then the citizens who are in the building. It is where the government does their work (if you can call it that), so if there is a threat it is safe to assume that it's a threat to the people who are always there and not to some tourists passing through.
On that assumption, I don't have a problem with congresscritters being able to pop past security. It's no different than flashing your badge to security at work.
The only thing I would have done different in his place is that I wouldn't have justified it with a vote. I would have just said "Hey idiots, I'm not the potential threat, I'm the one you're protecting. Are you afraid I'll harm myself?"