Newer Radios Are Sought To Protect Lawmakers

"I suspect there are some cost issues here . . . that may surprise you as you go forward," he said.

Congress set aside $10 million last year for the first phase of the new Capitol Police radio system but insisted on seeing a plan first. The Senate recently gave the go-ahead for spending the money. Wasserman Schultz said she balked because the Capitol Police hadn't provided information she had requested about the new system, "which was baffling to me."

She said that after last night's meeting, she was confident that cooperation would improve. "We're going to work together with them, evaluate the information and move the project forward," she said. She added, however, that the $10 million was intended for facilities that still need approval.

At the hearing, legislators expressed impatience at the delays.

"Let's try to get this done," said Rep. Robert A. Brady (D-Pa.), head of the House Administration Committee.

Lungren criticized not just Congress but the Capitol Police for the lack of progress. Addressing Morse, he said: "If this is such a priority, the 2009 budget request from your shop doesn't request money for this radio system replacement." How, he asked, could that be?

Morse replied that it took time to develop the plan because the radios would have to work outdoors and indoors, in buildings with thick marble walls and basement offices.

The system setup is expected to take at least two years once work begins.