Senate Unanimously Passes Act for Increased Candidate Security

Secret Service vest with various tactical gear attached.

The U.S. Senate unanimously approves the Enhanced Presidential Security Act, ensuring presidential candidates receive protection equal to that of the President.

At a Glance

Bill mandates Secret Service to use same standards for protecting major presidential candidates as for presidents
Legislation follows recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump
Measure aims to eliminate vulnerabilities in current security framework
Bill requires regular reports to Congress on the status of candidates’ protection

Bipartisan Support for Enhanced Security

In a rare display of unity, the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Enhanced Presidential Security Act, a measure designed to bolster protection for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The bill, which received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House with a 405-0 vote, now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for approval.

The legislation, spearheaded by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and endorsed by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), comes in response to recent security threats against former President Donald Trump. It mandates that the Secret Service employ the same rigorous standards for protecting major presidential candidates as they do for sitting presidents and vice presidents.

Senate unanimously passes legislation to boost Secret Service protection for presidential candidates, sending the bill to the White House for President Biden's signature. https://t.co/DzeBUZXrSB

— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 25, 2024

Addressing National Security Concerns

The urgency of this legislation stems from two recent assassination attempts on former President Trump, including a July incident and another where an armed individual was apprehended at Trump’s Florida golf course. These events have highlighted potential gaps in the current security framework for presidential candidates.

“In America, elections are determined at the ballot box, not by an assassin’s bullet,” Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., a chief sponsor of the bill, said in floor debate ahead of the vote. “That these incidents were allowed to occur is a stain on our country.”

The new law aims to eliminate vulnerabilities and ensure that all major candidates receive top-tier protection throughout their campaigns. This move addresses significant national security concerns and underscores the importance of safeguarding the democratic process.

Implications for Secret Service Operations

While the bill does not allocate new funding, it opens the door for potential financial relief in a proposed stopgap funding package. The Secret Service’s budget has seen steady increases, with $3.1 billion appropriated for the current fiscal year. However, some lawmakers argue that the agency is stretched thin despite this substantial budget.

“We have a responsibility here in Congress to get down to the bottom of this to figure out why these things are happening and what we can do about it,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday. “This is not a partisan issue. We have both parties working on it.”

The legislation requires the Secret Service to provide regular reports to Congress on the status of candidate protection. These reports must be submitted every 15 days during a presidential election year to key congressional leaders and committees, ensuring transparency and accountability in the protection process.

U.S. House PASSES Presidential Candidates Security Bill, 405-0.

Goes now to the U.S. Senate. pic.twitter.com/x7sHQ8aaRN

— CSPAN (@cspan) September 20, 2024

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe has stated that Trump currently receives equal protection as President Biden. However, this new law codifies this level of protection for all major candidates, removing any ambiguity or potential for discrepancies in security measures.

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, this bipartisan effort demonstrates a commitment to preserving the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that candidates can campaign without fear for their safety. The Enhanced Presidential Security Act stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to democratic principles and the peaceful transition of power.