Gabrielle Giffords seeks to use campaign funds for home security

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., who was critically wounded in a mass shooting in Tucson this year, is seeking permission from the Federal Election Commission to use campaign funds for security upgrades to her home.

In a letter sent to the FEC on Wednesday, Giffords' campaign manager Michael McNulty said that the United States Capitol Police, at the request of the House Sergeant of Arms, recently conducted a security assessment of Giffords' home, now that the congresswoman has moved from the hospital to outpatient rehabilitation.

McNulty said the Capitol Police made several recommendations "that are specific to the identified needs of Rep. Giffords' security." The upgrades -- which include improved exterior lighting, improved locks and the installation of a duress alarm button -- should cost around $2,200, he said.

"Since the attack on Rep. Giffords occurred at a congressional activity, I am inquiring whether the costs of these safety measures may be covered by Rep. Giffords' campaign funds," McNulty wrote.

Giffords was shot in the head in January when a shooter open-fired at a meet-and-greet event Giffords was holding in her district. Six people were killed in the shooting and 13 were injured, including Giffords.

FEC rules prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses, except if they are expenses that would only be accrued because of the politician's candidacy or position. Earlier this year, the FEC approved the use of campaign funds for security upgrades at the home of Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., the Hill reports.

Though she was seriously injured, Giffords' recovery has reportedly gone smoothly to date, and she made a surprise return to the Capitol earlier this month to vote on the debt ceiling increase.

By the end of June, Giffords' campaign had over $787,000 in cash on hand.