Supreme Court denies Rep. Smucker’s appeal of fine for dodging capitol metal detector

(WHTM) — Pennsylvania Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-11) is among three current and former U.S. Congressmen whose petition against fines imposed for failing to complete security screenings was rejected by the Supreme Court on Monday.

The Hill first reported when Smucker became the sixth U.S. House member to be fined $5,000 for violating the security protocols in May 2021.

According to the Capitol Police report, Smucker’s fine stems from May 19, 2021, when he entered the House Chamber without being screened by an officer or walking through the metal detector, despite officers’ efforts to get his attention.

It wasn’t until he voted that officers say they were able to get Smucker’s attention and he went back through the metal detector.

PAST COVERAGE: Report: Lloyd Smucker fined $5,000 for violating Congress security protocols

The metal detectors were installed outside the House chamber after the January 6 insurrection and have since been removed.

Smucker appealed the fines along with Rep. Andrew Clyde, (R-Georgia) and former Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas).

In their 75-page petition to the court, the lawmakers called the fines “massive” and claimed that the security measures prevented them from voting on matters in the House.

“In February 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a rule requiring the House Sergeant at Arms to impose massive fines ($5,000 for the first offense, $10,000 for subsequent offenses) against Members who failed to complete security screenings, and requiring the House’s Chief Administrative Officer to deduct those fines from the salaries of Members who did not pay the fines before the Members ever received their salaries. Petitioners— Members of Congress at the time—were all fined. Many Members were denied the ability to vote on matters before the House while they waited to pass through the required security measures.”

The three Republicans had appealed their fines to the House Ethics Committee saying the fines and screenings were being selectively enforced against only Republicans.

abc27 has reached out to Smucker’s office for comment.

Smucker is the representative for Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District, which includes Lancaster County and parts of southern York County. He has served in the House since 2017.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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