The House of Representatives just pulled off something you don’t see every day— unanimity. In a rare moment, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle passed a bill aimed at beefing up security for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The push came after two frightening assassination attempts targeted former President Donald Trump. With a resounding 405 to 0 vote, it was one of those rare moments of total agreement.
The House of Representatives passed the Enhanced Presidential Security Act with a unanimous vote of 405-0, which aims to extend Secret Service protection to presidential and vice-presidential nominees at the same level as the sitting president and vice president. This legislative… pic.twitter.com/hzqvPYV8FF
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The bill, introduced by Representatives Ritchie Torres and Mike Lawler, both from New York, follows two recent and shocking incidents. In July, a gunman took aim at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania—firing from a rooftop, killing one, and injuring a few others, including Trump. Not long after, Secret Service agents stopped another potential attack, arresting a man lurking near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, rifle in hand, waiting for his moment.
If the bill gets the green light from the Senate and ultimately got signed by President Biden, it will effect a full-scale review of how the U.S. Secret Service handles candidate protection. It’s more than just a patch-up— this law aims to make sure every candidate gets the cover they need, no matter the threat.
“This is bigger than politics,” said Rep. Lawler, making it clear that no matter who’s running, the integrity of democracy must be protected. “The thought that a single act of violence could steer the course of our elections—it’s unthinkable,” he added with urgency.
House Unanimously Votes to Boost Trump Security
The House on Friday overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation 405-0 pic.twitter.com/a51YyPI8Wq— Loki the Pawtriot (Trumpy Cat) (@ScoutKopfjager) September 20, 2024
Yet, not everyone was on board without some reservations. Representative Jerry Nadler backed the bill but felt the conversation missed a larger point—gun violence. “Yes, we need this protection,” he said, “but it won’t stop the 100 Americans who lose their lives to gun violence every day.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Jim Jordan shot back, accusing Nadler of converting a serious issue into a political talking point. The back-and-forth was tense, but the bill ultimately moved forward.
NOW — House unanimously passes bill to boost presidential candidate security after apparent Trump assassination attempt, 405-0. pic.twitter.com/y7eH4V5rrC
— @KassMedefer (@KMedefer) September 20, 2024
The extended protection isn’t just for Trump. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a third-party candidate, also received Secret Service coverage after Biden approved a request for extra security. These measures are meant to ensure that no candidate—no matter the party—faces this kind of danger without proper protection.
Major Points
- The House of Representatives passed a bill 405-0 to bolster security for presidential and vice-presidential candidates after two assassination attempts on Donald Trump.
- The bill, introduced by Representatives Ritchie Torres and Mike Lawler, calls for a full review of U.S. Secret Service procedures for candidate protection.
- Incidents in Butler, Pennsylvania, and West Palm Beach, Florida, spurred lawmakers into action, highlighting the urgency of candidate safety.
- While some like Rep. Jerry Nadler raised concerns about the broader issue of gun violence, the bill focuses specifically on candidate protection.
- If passed by the Senate and signed by President Biden, the law would provide additional security measures for all candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News