Duval Times

On September 19, 2024, in Washington, D.C., Senator Rick Scott, along with 12 colleagues, introduced the Protect Our Presidents Act. This legislation aims to enhance U.S. Secret Service (USSS) protection for presidential nominees to match the level provided to a sitting U.S. president. The bill follows two assassination attempts on President Donald Trump within a span of 65 days.

Senator Rick Scott stated, “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 emphasized the need for additional resources to ensure the safety of President Trump and future presidential nominees.

Senator Marco Rubio remarked, “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.”

Senator Jim Risch added, “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.”

Senator Ted Budd expressed his support by saying, “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.”

In written comments, Senator John Barrasso noted, “Our nation has witnessed two horrifying assassination attempts on President Trump... The Protect Our Presidents Act will ensure all presidential nominees receive the same level of protection provided to the president.”

Senator Mike Crapo highlighted that political disagreements should not translate into physical threats: "Allowing would-be assassins the opportunity to shoot a former president in the ear or to get within firing range...is [a threat]."

Senator Roger Marshall stressed that current security measures are insufficient: "It is clear to every American that the threats to President Trump have reached a level that warrants additional security."

Lastly, Senator Cynthia Lummis underscored the necessity for increased protection: "No presidential candidate should fear for their safety or the wellbeing of their family."

The Protect Our Presidents Act includes provisions requiring USSS protection equivalent to that provided for a sitting president and mandates regular reporting on security measures during election years.