The House is set to vote on Friday to pass a bill aimed at enhancing Secret Service protection for major presidential and vice presidential candidates. This move follows two apparent assassination attempts targeting GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.
The bill mandates the Secret Service director to implement consistent standards for safeguarding presidents, vice presidents, and major presidential and vice presidential candidates.
After the two assassination attempts on Trump, the Secret Service has come under congressional scrutiny. The first attempt occurred on July 13 at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, with the second taking place on September 15 at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise anticipates unanimous support for the bill in the upcoming vote.
Following the initial assassination attempt in July, the Secret Service heightened security measures for former President Trump. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. confirmed this at a briefing after the September 15 incident.
The legislation, known as HR 9106, was introduced by GOP Rep. Mike Lawler of New York and Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres, also from New York.
President Joe Biden has expressed the need for more resources for the Secret Service, emphasizing the importance of additional agents and enhanced protection.
Efforts are underway to secure more funding for the Secret Service, with discussions on including additional resources in a government funding extension before September 30.
The House task force investigating the assassination attempts against Trump is expanding its probe to cover both incidents. GOP Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, who leads the task force, emphasized the importance of the Secret Service justifying their resource needs.
Lawmakers are deliberating on whether the Secret Service requires more funding or better management, with a focus on implementing security enhancements before the upcoming presidential election.
