Amidst escalating concerns over recent attempts to assassinate former President Donald Trump, House Republicans are aggressively pushing for increased funding for the U.S. Secret Service. The situation has reached a critical point, with a potential government shutdown looming on October 1st.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is proposing a six-month spending patch, known as a continuing resolution (CR), to avert the shutdown. This proposal is coupled with the controversial ‘Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act,’ which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration. However, both the CR and the SAVE Act are likely to face significant opposition, ultimately leading to a “clean” spending bill, devoid of conservative policies.
Several House Republicans, including those facing tough re-election bids in November, are advocating for additional Secret Service funding. They argue that the recent assassination attempts underscore the urgent need to strengthen security measures for former presidents. Representative John Duarte, R-Calif., emphasizes the potential devastating impact of such assassinations on the nation and supports the allocation of additional funds to enhance the Secret Service’s capacity.
While there is growing support for boosting the Secret Service budget, logistical questions arise. Notably, there are concerns about the feasibility of quickly hiring additional personnel to enhance security. Nonetheless, House Republicans are actively exploring options and strategizing on how to secure these funds.
Meanwhile, the Senate remains unmoved by the House’s proposed package, signaling a potential stalemate. The House faces a decision: accept a short-term CR without conservative policies or risk a government shutdown. Some Republican lawmakers express concern over prioritizing budget concerns over leadership and prioritize organizational improvements within the Secret Service rather than solely focusing on funding.
In a separate development, a bipartisan bill is slated for a vote this Friday that would provide the same level of Secret Service protection to former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris as is currently afforded to President Biden. The evolving situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding security measures for former presidents and the intricate dynamics within Congress as it navigates a potential government shutdown and the critical issue of national security.
