The Senate unanimously passed GOP Sen. Rick Scott’s bill guaranteeing that former President Donald Trump will receive the same level of Secret Service protection as a sitting president. The bill, known as the Protect Our Presidents Act, will now head to President Joe Biden’s desk for approval.
Sen. Scott emphasized the importance of the bill, stating that it sends a strong message to the American public and the world that threats to democracy will not be ignored. He urged President Biden to act swiftly in signing the bill into law.
The Senate's decision comes after the House of Representatives passed a companion bill unanimously with a vote of 405-0. Despite some reservations, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy chose not to object to the bill, acknowledging that while it may not address all issues related to Secret Service protection, it is a step in the right direction.
Sen. Murphy highlighted the need for additional resources for the Secret Service to effectively carry out their duties and address the rise in political violence. He called for bipartisan efforts to address the root causes of such violence and find common ground between Republicans and Democrats.
The Protect Our Presidents Act aims to ensure that former presidents, including Donald Trump, receive adequate Secret Service protection, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the democratic process and upholding the security of past and present leaders.
