Once we understand what resources and manpower are needed to expand security for the former president, Congress should not leave until we have a bipartisan vote to swiftly allocate this funding to increase Secret Service resources. This shouldn’t have to take more than a single day.
If we can allocate nearly $1 trillion every year to the Defense Department, we can afford to expand resources to protect candidates, former presidents and the stability of our nation. As the ranking Democrat of a House Armed Services subcommittee, I will engage with leaders in Congress to secure the needed resources.
After the first assassination attempt on Trump, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testified before the House Oversight Committee, where I called for her to resign. With new leadership at the agency, I hope to see a full and transparent investigation into the security failures that allowed for a second assassination attempt to ensure there is accountability. We need answers about how the alleged shooter knew of Trump’s schedule — and whether he acted alone.
The Secret Service must also immediately resolve any bureaucratic issues that prevent perimeter protection for nominees given the political climate — and for former presidents when there are obvious threats.
An attack on a former or current president is one of the greatest threats to our democracy and national security. What makes America extraordinary is our commitment to free and fair elections and resolving our political differences, in a very diverse nation, at the ballot box.
Increasing security for the former president should be a bipartisan effort and a no-brainer. We must put politics aside and vote to urgently address the rising threats of political violence and protect our leaders. A failure to do so could lead to dire consequences that rip this nation apart at a fragile moment.