The House is set to pass a bill on Friday 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 candidates. The Secret Service has faced scrutiny in Congress after the recent attempts on Trump's life.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise anticipates unanimous support for the bill. Once approved by the House, it will proceed to the Senate for further consideration.
Following the incidents, the Secret Service heightened security measures for former President Trump. President Biden emphasized the need for robust protection for all relevant figures.
The legislation, known as HR 9106, was introduced by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY). It seeks to formalize the security protocols implemented by President Biden and extend protection to authorized candidates.
President Biden has advocated for increased resources for the Secret Service to bolster their capabilities. Acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr. has actively lobbied for additional funding to enhance the agency's operations.
Lawmakers are deliberating on whether the Secret Service requires more funding or better management. Discussions are ongoing about potential budgetary allocations to the agency in the upcoming government funding extension.
The House task force investigating the assassination attempts against Trump is expanding its inquiry to cover both incidents. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), who leads the task force, emphasized the importance of the Secret Service justifying their resource needs.
Efforts are underway to address the security challenges faced by the Secret Service and ensure the safety of presidential candidates in the upcoming election.
