On September 20, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution with a unanimous 405-0 vote aimed at increasing security for former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. This legislation follows two assassination attempts against Trump, highlighting a growing concern over political violence in the country.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that this issue transcends party lines, stating, 'This is not a partisan issue.' He noted that Trump is arguably the most threatened political figure in history.
The bill mandates the Secret Service to bolster protections for both figures but does not allocate additional funding for this purpose. House GOP leaders attribute the agency's recent shortcomings to mismanagement rather than financial constraints. 'It's about allocation,' said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
In light of the recent assassination attempt, Johnson urged President Biden to ensure Trump receives the same level of protection as a sitting president. Biden acknowledged the need for increased support for the Secret Service, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer proposing immediate funding as part of a broader government funding agreement.
The political climate surrounding this issue has intensified, with Republicans blaming Democrats for inciting violence against Trump. House GOP Chairwoman Elise Stefanik called for media accountability regarding the inflammatory rhetoric from Democrats. In contrast, several Democratic leaders, including Biden and Harris, condemned the attacks on Trump and pledged to provide necessary resources for his protection.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it has garnered bipartisan support.