The House of Representatives has unanimously passed the Enhanced Presidential Security Act, a bill designed to ensure that all major presidential and vice-presidential candidates receive the same level of protection as sitting presidents and vice presidents. The move comes just days after an apparent second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, intensifying the conversation around the security of political candidates.
New York lawmakers, including Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, are applauding the passage of the bill, which was cosponsored by Malliotakis, Republican Representative Mike Lawler, and Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres. The bipartisan nature of the legislation signals broad support for enhanced protection measures, particularly as the nation prepares for the 2024 presidential election.
“This bill is a critical step in safeguarding our democracy,” Malliotakis said in a statement following the vote. “An attack on a presidential candidate is an attack on our entire system of governance. We must ensure that every candidate is protected from such threats.”
The Enhanced Presidential Security Act mandates that the U.S. Secret Service provide the same standard of protection for major presidential and vice-presidential candidates as they do for sitting officeholders. Previously, the level of security for candidates varied based on assessments of individual threats and circumstances, but this bill ensures uniform protection standards for all candidates moving forward.
The passage of the bill is timely, given the recent assassination attempts on Trump, who remains a major figure in the 2024 race. While details about the latest attempt are still emerging, the incidents have prompted renewed scrutiny of security protocols surrounding political figures, particularly those with high public profiles and polarizing reputations.
Malliotakis emphasized that there is no greater threat to democracy than an attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate, a sentiment echoed by lawmakers from both parties during the House debate. “Our candidates must be free to campaign and engage with the American people without fear of violence,” she added.
Congressman Mike Lawler also expressed his satisfaction with the House vote, stating, “This is about protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring that every candidate, regardless of political affiliation, receives the security they deserve.”
Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres, who joined his Republican colleagues in supporting the bill, underscored the bipartisan nature of the effort. “In times of political division, it is essential that we come together to protect the very foundation of our democracy—free and fair elections. The security of our candidates is paramount to that mission,” Torres said.
With the House’s unanimous approval, the bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to face additional debate but is anticipated to receive bipartisan support.
As threats against political figures continue to rise in the current polarized environment, the bill reflects growing concerns over ensuring candidate safety during high-stakes campaigns. The Secret Service, already tasked with safeguarding sitting officeholders, will likely see increased responsibilities once the bill is signed into law.
President Biden has yet to comment on the bill, but political analysts believe that it will likely receive his endorsement, given the emphasis on protecting the democratic process. If the Senate passes the legislation, it could become a key security measure as the 2024 election cycle ramps up.
