told The Associated Press that he had authorized the $1,000 camera after Republican lawmakers expressed concerns about vandalism. Limbaugh's statue is the only one in the Rotunda with 24-hour security.

"We recognize that there was a level of controversy around it, and we want to make sure that property is protected," Crumbliss explained.

The bust was unveiled earlier this month in a secret ceremony to prevent unwanted protests.

"If they thought that the bust might be defaced or vandalized and they have to guard it with a camera, it's another indication that maybe they shouldn't have put it there," Assistant House Minority Leader Tishaura Jones (D) told AP. "It's another chapter in this never-ending saga of this man who deserves no honor in the people's house."

Crumbliss argued that the camera would serve the dual purpose of protecting Limbaugh's likeness and determining the feasibility of doing live broadcasts of House sessions.

"The camera pointed at the Limbaugh statue outside the chamber can serve as a pilot project to test the resolution and quality of its picture," AP reported.