House to vote Friday on bill for Trump’s increased protection

Following two assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump, House Republicans are moving quickly to pass a bill that would enhance his Secret Service protection. The proposal, initially introduced in mid-June after the first attempt, aims to provide Trump with the same level of security that President Joe Biden currently receives. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Trump is one of the most threatened political figures in history. The bill is set for a vote on Friday and would also extend increased protections to Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. Despite the need for enhanced security, the bill does not allocate additional funds to the Secret Service, with GOP leaders arguing that the agency's issues stem from mismanagement rather than a lack of financial resources. They believe the agency has been distracted by a so-called 'woke agenda' and has not prioritized its core mission. In light of the recent threats, Johnson has called on the White House to ensure that Trump receives the same level of protection as a sitting president. He expressed confidence that Trump will be the next president and highlighted the significant risks faced by Trump as a candidate. The request for increased security has been framed as a bipartisan issue, although Republicans have largely blamed Democrats for the violent rhetoric that they claim has incited threats against Trump. Top Democrats, including Biden and Harris, have condemned the attacks on Trump and political violence in general, with Biden pledging to provide the Secret Service with all necessary resources to protect Trump during his campaign. This situation underscores the heightened tensions in the political landscape as the November election approaches.