WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) today spoke out against the mistreatment of National Guards at the U.S. Capitol. National Guard soldiers were deployed this week to the U.S. Capitol to augment Capitol Police protection during the inauguration. Late Thursday night, thousands of National Guardsmen were ordered to vacate the Capitol, being relocated outdoors or to parking garages.

“It is outrageous that these troops were relegated to a parking garage after more than two weeks of 12-hour shifts in the cold,” said Congressman Gonzales. “As a Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, I know first-hand the feeling of being away from your family and home while deployed in service of the United States. I’m incredibly disappointed and outraged in the situation and we must ensure this never happens again. I will continue to press the proper authorities until we get answers on how this incident transpired.”