The Senate gave unanimous approval to a bill on Tuesday that would provide enhanced Secret Service protection to major party presidential nominees, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden for his signature.
The measure, which cleared the House last week with a unanimous 405-0 vote, would ensure that current and future candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, receive the same level of protection as a sitting president. This move comes in response to two recent attempts on Trump’s life, highlighting the need for increased security measures.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of the legislation, citing the recent threats against Trump. “We all know why this legislation is needed,” Scott said, urging his colleagues to pass the bill without a recorded vote.
However, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) expressed reservations about the bill’s impact, describing it as largely symbolic. Murphy argued that a more comprehensive approach to bolstering security was necessary, rather than just increasing protection for presidential nominees. “I don’t think it does much to change the way the Secret Service does its job,” he said.
Murphy also called on Republicans to support a short-term government funding extension that includes an additional $230 million for the Secret Service. Meanwhile, Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe recently confirmed that Trump is currently receiving the same level of protection as President Biden.
