House members can charge taxpayers for bulletproof vests, guards

Here's one more thing taxpayers can start paying for: bulletproof vests for members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

On a voice vote Tuesday, the Committee on House Administration passed a security resolution amending the Members' Congressional Handbook — read employee handbook — to make bulletproof vests a "reimbursable expense."

Under the changes to the handbook, members can hire security personnel for their district events, such as town halls, or to accompany them as they go about their official business. They also can pay for security guards to stand outside their district offices during business hours.

More:How secure are our schools? Since Columbine they are locked tightly, research shows

More:Congressional Republicans reject calls for tighter gun restrictions in wake of Florida shooting

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

As for security improvements to members' home offices, such as building doorways or installing bulletproof glass, those are not reimbursable, but can be built into the monthly rent of the district office lease. 

The move comes eight months after House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., was shot and nearly killed at an Alexandria, Va., ballpark, while practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game last June. Three others were wounded in the attack, including two members of Scalise's Capitol Police security detail.

Scalise met Monday with survivors of the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead in Parkland, Fla. He told them he backs tighter background checks for gun buyers and reciprocal concealed carry laws.  

In 2011, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., was shot and critically wounded during a district event in Tucson. She has become an advocate for gun control.

Follow Carolyn McAtee Cerbin on Twitter: @carolyncerbin