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 that the agency has been distracted by a so-called 'woke agenda' and has not focused on its primary mission of protecting individuals. 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 hope that the Biden administration would recognize the importance of this request, especially given the heightened risks Trump faces as a candidate for the presidency. Republicans have largely attributed the violence against Trump to inflammatory rhetoric from Democrats, claiming that such statements have incited threats against him. While some Democrats have condemned the attacks, the GOP continues to push for increased security measures for Trump as the election approaches.