Rockland Reporter

The Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024, introduced by Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) alongside Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), passed the House with a unanimous vote of 405-0. The bill aims to provide enhanced United States Secret Service protection for former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a joint statement, Representatives Torres and Lawler emphasized the national security implications of the legislation. "It is in the direct national security interest of the United States of America to provide the best protection in its power of its presidents and presidential candidates. History has shown that assassinations can massively disrupt our nation’s political system, cause dangerous disorder and chaos, and embolden further violence. The two recent attempts on former President Trump’s life showed the world that unfortunately, the Secret Service has serious gaps in protection, and more must be done to ensure no one can take advantage of those vulnerabilities," they stated.

They also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from their colleagues in the House. "We are deeply grateful to our colleagues in the House for voting overwhelmingly today in support of our bill, the Enhanced Presidential Security Act. We thank President Biden for recently taking action to increase former President Trump’s Secret Service detail. However, without the passage and implementation of this legislation, this enhanced protection will not be codified into law and is subject to change with time. We urge the Senate and President Biden to get the Enhanced Presidential Security Act through the finish line for the good of the American people," concluded Torres and Lawler.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.