Palmetto State News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) led 11 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Protect Our Presidents Act, which aims to enhance U.S. Secret Service (USSS) protection for presidential nominees to the same level currently provided to a sitting U.S. president.

“Over the past three months, we’ve seen two assassination attempts on a presidential candidate; it is clear action needs to be taken,” said Senator Tim Scott. “I am glad to join the efforts to beef up protections for presidential candidates at a time when reckless, inflammatory rhetoric is inciting acts of violence. This commonsense legislation needs to be taken up immediately.”

“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," said Senator Rick Scott. "Today, I am leading 12 of my Republican colleagues to introduce the Protect Our Presidents Act which mandates that the USSS provide the same level of protective services to presidential nominees that it affords to sitting presidents. 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 the safety of him and his family. I urge Senate Democrats to join Republicans to quickly pass this bill that will support the protection of President Trump and all future presidential nominees.”

“The past two assassination attempts on President Trump have been alarming. It is clear safeguards are needed to ensure presidential nominees are safe from violence. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill to provide additional protection to presidential nominees,” said Senator Rubio.

“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 Senator 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.”

“After two assassination attempts and very real threats directed at President Trump, it is long past time that all nominees receive the highest level of presidential protection," stated Senator Budd. "If we cannot keep all candidates safe, our entire system of government will be in peril. That’s why I’m proud to join Senator Rick Scott’s effort to protect candidates for the highest office in the land.”

Senator Barrasso wrote, “Our nation has witnessed two horrifying assassination attempts on President Trump. We were merely inches away from a catastrophic event that would have changed the course of our history. This cannot happen again. The Protect Our Presidents Act will ensure all presidential nominees receive the same level of protection provided to the president. This will give law enforcement resources they need to keep President Trump and all candidates safe.”

“Ideas we do not align with and policies we do not agree with are not threats to democracy," said Senator Crapo." Allowing would-be assassins an opportunity within firing range twice within weeks is unacceptable." He continued: "President Trump should have protective service equal as when he was president; so should all future nominees from any party."

“In two months, there have been two unprecedented assassination attempts on President Trump's life," noted Senator Marshall." Enough is enough; current Secret Service protection around President Trump is insufficient." He added: "It’s clear threats against him warrant additional security."

"The confirmed attempts against former President Trump underscore urgent need for better candidate protection," emphasized Senator Lummis." No candidate should fear for safety or family well-being while campaigning."

Senators Tim Scott and Rick Scott are joined by Senators Roger Marshall, Jim Risch, James Lankford, Marco Rubio, Josh Hawley, Ted Budd, Mike Crapo, John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis, Ted Cruz, and Mike Braun in introducing this legislation.

The Protect Our Presidents Act specifically aims:

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