The FBI and local police are investigating threats directed at House Democrats following passage of the health care bill, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters earlier today. At least two acts of vandalism are being examined.

Hoyer said that he did not know the exact number but estimated "more than 10" Democrats had received some kind of threat or harassment. He added that some posters depict a lawmaker's face in the crosshairs of a target.

No additional security has been added, Hoyer said.

"The incidents of threats whether in person or through telephones or through other communication devices have given great concern to members, for the safety of themselves and their families," Hoyer said at a briefing.

"Clearly our democracy is about participation. Our democracy is about differing and debate, and animated debate and passionate debate — but it is not about violence," he added. "It is about making sure that everybody in America feels free to express their opinion ... without subjecting themselves, their family or others to behavior, and frankly criminal behavior, in some respects, that undermines our democracy."

House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio said in a statement that while many Americans are angry over passage of the health care bill, "violence and threats are unacceptable."

"That's not the American way," Boehner said. "We need to take that anger and channel it into positive change."

Authorities in western New York are investigating bricks thrown through the windows of the Niagara Falls district office of House Rules Committee Chairwoman Louise Slaughter. "The man doing it said it was because it will prevent civil war," she said today.

In Virginia, the FBI and local law enforcement are looking into who cut a propane line to a gas grill at the Charlottesville home of the brother of Rep. Tom Perriello. Lynchburg "Tea Party" member Mike Troxel claimed responsibility for posting the address, which he thought was the congressman's. He urged voters to drop by for "a good face-to-face chat" to "express their thanks" for his vote for the overhaul.

"Just in case any of his friends and neighbors want to drop by and say hi and express their thanks regarding his vote for health care," he wrote. "I personally believe it's so important for representatives to remain fully grounded and to remember exactly what it is their constituents are saying and how they are telling them to vote. Nothing quite does that like a good face-to-face chat. It has a much more personal touch to it."

(Posted by Michael Winter)