The thousands of National Guardsmen that were summoned to DC amid Inauguration Day preparations are allowed back in the Capitol grounds, hours after they complained about their break conditions.
The officers told Politico Thursday that they were denied access to some of the Capitol areas that they used as resting spots including a Senate office cafeteria.
“We honestly just feel betrayed,” one National Guard member said. “After everything went seamlessly, we were deemed useless and banished to a corner of a parking garage.”
A group of 5,000 guardsmen was told to rest in a garage without internet reception and with a unique electrical outlet and two bathrooms.
“We feel incredibly betrayed,” an officer said. “Yesterday dozens of senators and congressmen walked down our lines taking photos, shaking our hands and thanking us for our service.”
He continued: “Within 24 hours, they had no further use for us and banished us to the corner of a parking garage.”
The National Guard Bureau explained that the troops were ordered to vacate the Capitol building temporarily due to the Congressional sessions.
“The National Guard continues to assist and support the US Capitol Police. As Congress is in session and increased foot traffic and business is being conducted, Capitol Police asked the troops to move their rest area.”
“They were temporarily relocated to the Thurgood Marshall Judicial Center garage with heat and restroom facilities. We remain an agile and flexible force to provide for the safety and security of the Capitol and its surrounding areas.”
