U.S. House unanimously votes to look at Secret Service protection for presidential candidates

By Jonathan D. Salant / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

WASHINGTON — A unanimous U.S. House voted Friday to require the same level of Secret Service protection for presidential candidates as for the president and vice president following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler.

The Enhanced Presidential Security Act passed, 405-0. It now goes to the U.S. Senate.

“This legislation is a critical tool in the toolbox to enhance the safety of presidential candidates,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Butler, who is chairing a House task force investigating the shooting of Trump.

It would set uniform standards for the Secret Service protection of major presidential and vice presidential candidates along with the president and vice president. The legislation also would require that current standards be reviewed and a report submitted to the House and Senate Homeland Security committees, earmarking funds for any increased protection considered necessary.

"We cannot allow violence to undercut our very democracy, and this bill will ensure it never does," said U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler,, R-N.Y., the bill’s chief sponsor.

The legislation was introduced after Trump was shot at a rally in Butler County two days before the Republican National Convention got underway in Milwaukee. More recently, Secret Service agents stopped what could have been another assassination attempt against the former president at his West Palm Beach, Fla., golf club.

The House also agreed without opposition Friday to expand the jurisdiction of the task force to incliude the possible attempted assassination in Florida.

“The American people deserve answers and accountability for the many security failures that have led to these events – and this Congress will deliver,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.