The request to keep as many as 2,200 Guard troops in D.C. underscores the continuing concerns about security and the potential for violence at the Capitol.
The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that Trump will rise again to power on March 4.
About 50 of the 26,000 National Guard troops deployed to the U.S. Capitol have been treated for gastrointestinal complaints since the start of their mission two months ago.
Senators are eager Wednesday to grill the officials from the Pentagon, the National Guard, and the Justice and Homeland Security departments about their preparations ahead of the electoral count on Jan. 6.