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Baird fine rescinded for alleged security violation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jim Baird is no longer facing a fine for allegedly violating House security procedures.
In a mid-November incident, Baird (R-Greencastle) was accused of walking around a metal detector before proceeding onto the floor of the House of Representatives.
Baird was facing a $5,000 fine for violating the rule regarding metal detectors, which was established after the violent Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Acting on a letter of appeal by Baird in which he “adamantly refuted the accusations,” a majority of the House Committee on Ethics agreed to Baird’s appeal of the fine. The decision was made last Wednesday and made public on Monday.
“On Dec. 3, 2021, the Committee on Ethics received an appeal from Rep. Jim Baird of a fine imposed pursuant to House Resolution 73,” Chairman Theodore Deutch (D-Florida) and Ranking Member Jackie Walorski (R-Indiana) wrote to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. “The appeal was received after the committee adopted its written rules. On Dec. 8, 2021, a majority of the committee agreed to the appeal.”
The committee had up to 30 days to review the appeal, but returned a decision after just three business days.
In his letter, the congressman was vehement about his support for the U.S. Capitol Police (USPC) and the rules of Congress.
“I respect the USCP and the rules of this institution,” Baird wrote. “Nov. 17 was no exception. Since the House adopted new rules on Jan. 21, 2021, regarding screening for members entering the House Chamber, I have complied with these rules every time, despite the alarm on the magnetometer serving as a constant reminder of the injuries and the multitude of shrapnel I received from the actions of a hostile enemy during combat in Vietnam while defending our nation.”
Due to Baird’s injuries and his prosthetic hand, officers utilize a handheld wand in addition to the walk-through magnetometers.
“The police report states that I bypassed the magnetometer and that I was advised of the rules and proceeded to bypass security anyway. This is not the case,” Baird wrote. “I proceeded through the magnetometer followed by the usual wanding conducted by the officer directly in front of me as I exited the inward side of the magnetometer prior to entering the House Chamber, as I have always done.”
The congressman further pointed out how injuries from the explosion injured his arm and ear, making it difficult for the officer to have gotten his attention as the report stated he attempted.
“If I had heard an officer attempting to stop me, or if I had felt an officer physically touching me, I would have stopped and consulted with the officer,” Baird said. “As previously stated, I respect the rules of this institution and the men and women who protect it and that is why I have always complied with these rules as I conduct my duties as a member of Congress throughout the Capitol complex.
“Given the circumstances of this situation, I believe that a misunderstanding has taken place, and as a result, I do not believe it is fair to place this report in the Congressional Record or to impose a fine upon me,” Baird concluded.
Since the imposition of the fines earlier this year, several lawmakers have been fined over security screenings. However, several of those have, like Baird, successfully appealed the fines.