National Guard open a gate in the razor wire topped perimeter fence around the Capitol allow another member in at sunrise in Washington, Monday, March 8, 2021.
The U.S. Capitol Police has asked for the fencing and the National Guard to remain, for now.
This week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin formally approved a request that National Guard troops remain for about two more months.
Close to 2,300 Guard troops will continue to provide security in Washington until May 23, at the request of the Capitol Police, the Defense Department said.
"Our National Guard troops, who serve with great honor and distinction, are not law enforcement officers, and we will not abide the continued militarization of Capitol complex security,โ wrote Sens.