The Biden administration has requested special permission from Congress to increase spending on the Secret Service in the coming weeks, even if only a short-term spending bill is passed to avoid a government shutdown. This request was made by the White House Office of Management and Budget in August, prior to the second apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Short-term spending bills, also known as continuing resolutions or CRs, are used to fund the government at current levels for a brief period until appropriations bills for the entire fiscal year are passed. These CRs often contain anomaly provisions for programs or activities that require support that deviates from general funding levels, according to the Congressional Research Service.
The OMB’s request highlighted the need for flexibility to increase Secret Service spending in order to sustain and enhance protective operations. Congressional staffers have expressed concerns about the Secret Service’s funding levels, and the uncertainty surrounding the additional funding required has slowed down negotiations over government spending for 2025 on Capitol Hill. Congress faces a deadline of October 1 to fund the government, risking a partial government shutdown just weeks before Election Day.
In its request, the OMB stated that granting special dispensation to boost Secret Service spending would allow the agency to maintain current operations and address additional protective and campaign travel, operations, and overtime costs as they arise. President Biden emphasized the importance of providing support to the Secret Service, stating that they “need more help” and urging Congress to respond to their needs.
The Secret Service has also informed Congress of the need for additional resources to fulfill its mission. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe sent a letter to a Senate subcommittee stating that the increased mission requirements necessitate additional resources. Senator Susan Collins, the GOP vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, expressed support for meeting the Secret Service’s request for additional resources if substantiated by the agency.
Collins noted that after the first attempt on Trump’s life in July, the Secret Service indicated that inadequate resources were not a factor. However, with the level of protection required for President Trump, other former presidents, President Biden, and Vice President Harris, the demands on the Secret Service are significant, especially during an election year when President Trump is actively campaigning.
The suspect in the recent assassination attempt, Ryan Wesley Routh, was charged with firearm offenses in federal court. Armed with an AK-47-style rifle, Routh was located 300-500 yards away from Trump at the Trump International Golf Course when Secret Service agents spotted him and opened fire. Routh did not discharge his weapon and was apprehended shortly thereafter. Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service agents and local law enforcement for their swift response, describing them as “absolutely outstanding.”
This incident occurred just two months after Trump was shot in the ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of one attendee. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, with Congress and federal agencies working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attacks.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s request for increased spending on the Secret Service reflects the ongoing challenges and security threats faced by high-profile individuals, including former presidents and current government officials. As negotiations continue in Congress over government spending, ensuring adequate resources for the Secret Service remains a critical priority to maintain the safety and security of those under their protection.
