Senate GOP chiefs of staff argue over using official funds for security

• "NFL athletes get more security than US Senators," said one participant.
• Many senators use private security for town halls and other public events, but they pay for it with campaign funds.
• Lawmakers in both parties and both chambers are shaken by the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a college campus, with some canceling planned outdoor events.

Driving the news: At their weekly lunch, chiefs of staff engaged in a spirited debate on how to make official funds available for security purposes, according to people familiar with what was said.

• There was widespread support among the staffers for finding ways to ensure senators have appropriate security, given the increase in threats and heated political environment.
• But senators still have to agree to any changes themselves.