House Republicans are pushing for legislation that would require the Secret Service to establish “sex-neutral” fitness evaluations for applicants, eliminating differences between male and female standards. The Secret Service Readiness Act of 2024 aims to ensure agents are thoroughly prepared and trained to perform their duties effectively. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), believes the agency needs to focus on its core mission instead of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The proposed legislation would require the Secret Service to implement the new standards within 90 days and submit a report 180 days later detailing the effects on recruitment and training. The bill comes in the aftermath of an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, which some lawmakers attribute to lax security measures.
Critics argue that the Secret Service’s emphasis on diversity initiatives has compromised its effectiveness. Brecheen and nine co-sponsors – including Reps. Troy Nehls (R-TX), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Keith Self (R-TX), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY) – believe that the current system, under which male and female candidates are held to different fitness standards, is flawed.
The push for “sex-neutral” standards gains momentum as Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle prepares to testify before Republicans on the House Oversight Committee and faces calls to resign from leaders like House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House GOP Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
