The Senate unanimously passed legislation on Tuesday to mandate higher Secret Service protection for the presidential nominees of major parties, sending the measure to President Joe Biden’s desk.
The bill, which passed the House last week in a 405-0 vote, would afford current and future candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the same level of protection as a sitting president following two failed attempts on Trump’s life.
“We all know why this legislation is needed,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), who proposed the bill be passed without a recorded vote. “Each of these events have reminded the nation of the dangers surrounding President Trump and the need to make sure he and those around him are safe.”
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) did not object to its passage but described the measure as largely symbolic and said a more “holistic conversation” about how to bolster security was warranted.
“I don’t think it does anything to meaningfully change the way the Secret Service approaches their job,” Murphy said.
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He also urged Republicans to support a short-term government funding extension later this week that includes an extra $230 million for the Secret Service.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe told reporters last week that Trump was currently receiving equal protection as Biden.