The House Judiciary Committee broadened the U.S. Secret Service's bodyguard role on Wednesday by giving it the lead in investigating threats not only to White House incumbents but to ex-presidents and their immediate families for as long as they live.
The committee bill (H.R. 3048), approved by a voice vote, also would extend the same broad protection authority for ex-vice presidents and their families. And it would cover the families of major presidential and vice president candidates during election years.
It would further extend Secret Service protective coverage to high-ranking foreign officials during visits to the United States. The Service, under the incumbent president's direction, would plan and coordinate security for the foreign dignitaries.
Under current law, ex-presidents and vice presidents and their spouses, are entitled to Secret Service protection for 10 years after leaving office. After that, the Federal Bureau of Investigation would be responsible for looking into any threats made to the former First Families. H.R. 3048 would shift that primary jurisdiction, after the 10 years elapsed, to the Secret Service.
"It was felt that protection of our top elected leaders was a job that the Secret Service is particularly suited for, they're the experts," said Rep. Bill McCollum, R-Fla., "and the FBI has no objection to that."
Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., said the legislation "makes it crystal clear that it will be a federal crime to threaten any former presidents and vice-presidents or their families."
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