The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that would enhance Secret Service protection for former President Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, and their running mates in response to recent assassination attempts. The bill requires the Secret Service to apply the same staffing standards for all presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Although the House overwhelmingly supported the bill, it is unclear how the Senate will handle it, as some senators believe that current security measures are enough for Trump. However, the Secret Service has expressed the need for additional resources to better protect its protectees in light of recent threats and incidents. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe has called for a complete overhaul of how the agency protects presidents. The agency’s budget has increased in recent years, with Congress allocating $3.1 billion for the Secret Service for the current fiscal year. Lawmakers are considering additional funding for the Secret Service in a stopgap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown. Despite some senators questioning the necessity of the bill, lawmakers and officials are emphasizing the importance of providing adequate security to presidential candidates to ensure their safety and the integrity of elections.
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