Fury over the healthcare bill has contributed to a threefold increase in threats against members of Congress this year. Lawmakers reported a total of 42 threats from January to March 2010, up from 15 in the last three months of 2009. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was the latest victim. A San Francisco man is accused of making dozens of threatening calls to her home and her husband's office.
"There's simply more anger out there about the direction of our country," a Republican congressman tells the Washington Post. Others wonder if the difference has more to do with increased reporting of attacks. "Normally, we don't give publicity to this," said another congressman. Officials say they're securing the 454 Senate offices across the country by installing new security cameras or adding personnel to screen mail, as needed.
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