Don't they say this every year?
Washington (CNN)Top congressional leaders agreed to back law enforcement officials' plan to rein in the celebrations on the U.S. Capitol -- including on the Fourth of July. The parties have at times spiraled out of control in recent years, prompting action from enforcement officials.
As CNN first reported in early March, the U.S. Capitol Police Board sent a letter to congressional leaders in calling for the changes, citing security concerns, mounting overtime costs and an abundance of "coolers containing liquids" -- a euphemism for alcohol.
The letter also said the changes were needed "in light of the current heightened threat environment" and "to reduce the potential for a breach of decorum or conduct that could prove embarrassing to the Congress."
House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said April 21 their board's recommendations would strengthen safety and security protocols surrounding the concerts. They also pledged to improve the access and the experience for the country's wounded warriors, who are have been honored with special receptions and tours in recent years, a tradition started in 2007 by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
READ: Capitol Police to Congress: No more drunken 4th of July parties
"The Memorial Day and Independence Day concerts at the Capitol are great national tributes to America and its heroes. Every year, our goal is to make these events as safe and accessible as possible, especially for our veterans, service members and military families," the two leaders said in a statement.
"To that end, we fully support the Capitol Police Board's recommendations and will implement them in advance of this year's events. The safety and security of our guests remains our paramount concern, and these changes will allow us to continue honoring these holidays in a manner consistent with the dignity and history of the Capitol," they said.
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill told CNN the Democratic leader also supports the changes.
"Leader Pelosi supports the implementation of the recommendations the Capitol Police Board," he said. "Leader Pelosi, as was the case when she was speaker, is always mindful of the security needs of the Capitol and its guests, and of the importance of ensuring that our wounded veterans are provided the opportunity to fully enjoy Memorial Day and the 4th of July at the Capitol."
Authorities were concerned the parties, hosted by lawmakers, their staffs and organizers of a nationally televised concert and fireworks display, have grown increasingly rowdy and potentially dangerous in recent years.
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http://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/21/politics/congress-parties-drunk-fourth-of-july/index.html
