Congress to get Super Bowl-level protection on Jan. 6, 2025

SUMMARY

For the first time, the federal government has classified the certification of the presidential vote on January 6th, 2025, as a "national special security event" (NSSE). This designation, made by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, aims to prevent a repeat of the events that occurred on the same date in 2021. The heightened security will bring the certification session to the same level of protection seen at events like the Super Bowl or the U.N. General Assembly. According to Eric Ranaghan of the Secret Service, the NSSE designation allows federal, state, and local agencies to collaborate on a comprehensive security plan. This follows a recommendation from the January 6 select committee, which called for enhanced security measures after the 2021 breach. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser requested the NSSE status, and preparations are now underway to ensure the safety of participants at the event.