East Idaho Times

In response to recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) have introduced the Protect Our Presidents Act. The proposed legislation aims to enhance U.S. Secret Service (USSS) protection for presidential nominees to match the security level provided to a sitting president.

"The two attempts on President Trump’s life and the failures of the U.S. Secret Service have put the threat of assassination at the forefront of Americans’ concerns," said Risch. "With the Protect Our Presidents Act, we will ensure American Presidents and presidential candidates receive the highest level of security. We cannot let our guard down."

Crapo emphasized that political differences should not translate into threats against democracy: "Ideas we do not align with and policies we do not agree with are not threats to democracy. Allowing would-be assassins the opportunity to shoot a former president in the ear or to get within firing range to attempt to do so again within the span of just a few short weeks is," he said. "President Trump should have the same level of protective service he had while President, and so should all future presidential nominees from any party. This should not be political."

Scott highlighted recent incidents as grounds for immediate legislative action: "Over the course of just 65 days, two deranged individuals have tried to kill President Donald Trump, and one was able to shoot him in the head. It is unthinkable that this could happen in America today, and it demands the immediate action of Congress," he stated. "President Trump has great officers and agents working around the clock to keep him safe, but it’s clear that the vile rhetoric on the left toward President Trump has made him a target and more resources are required to ensure his safety."

The bill mandates that USSS provide presidential nominees with protection equivalent to that given to sitting presidents, though nominees may decline increased protection if they choose.

Additionally, it requires regular reporting by USSS every 15 days during a presidential election year. Reports must include threat levels for each nominee, implemented security measures, associated costs, personnel assignments, and any unmet security needs.

Joining Risch, Crapo, and Scott in introducing this bill are Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

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