Sept. 24 (UPI) — The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a House bill Tuesday to provide equal Secret Service protection to presidents and all major party candidates following two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump.
The Enhanced Presidential Security Act, which received unanimous approval in the U.S. House last week, now heads to the White House for President Joe Biden‘s signature.
The bill, which passed in the Senate by unanimous consent, guarantees Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris receive the same security protections provided to Biden.
“We all know why this legislation is needed. In a span of just 65 days, President Trump — our former president and the Republican nominee — has been the target of two assassination attempts,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said Tuesday on the floor of the Senate.
“I’m proud to lead this effort in the Senate,” Scott added. “I’m on the floor today to request the immediate passage of the Enhanced Presidential Security Act so we can send this good and necessary bill to President Biden’s desk so it may become law. Our action today goes beyond the simple language of this bill.”
Rep. Mike Lawler, who introduced the bill, applauded the Senate’s vote.
“Elections must be determined by ballots, not bullets, and this bill helps ensure that is the case,” Lawler, R-N.Y., said Tuesday.
While Tuesday’s vote was unanimous, other lawmakers argued the bill would have no impact.
“Let’s move ahead with this bill. I don’t think it actually solves the problem,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. “Let’s pass the additional money so they have everything they need to get the job done. And then let’s sit down and have a broader conversation about why we have seen this spike in political violence, what other ways Republicans and Democrats can come together.”
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe has said Trump is already receiving the highest level of Secret Service protection.
The former president was rushed off the golf course at Trump International in West Palm Beach on Sept. 15, after agents fired on a suspect with a rifle, two backpacks and a GoPro camera. Ryan Routh was arrested by Martin County Sheriff’s Office after his vehicle was spotted about 50 miles from the scene.
On Tuesday, federal prosecutors charged Routh with attempting to assassinate Trump, in addition to other charges.
It was the second assassination attempt on Trump after he was clipped in the ear by a bullet while speaking at an outdoor rally on July 13, in Butler, Pa. One supporter was killed in the shooting and several others were injured. The alleged gunman, who was perched on a nearby rooftop, was killed by the Secret Service.