Reps. Lawler, Torres to introduce bill enhancing Secret Service protection for presidential candidates

Lawler, the Republican representative of New York's 17th District, said the bipartisan legislation would protect all major presidential candidates including President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Jade Nash

Jul 14, 2024, 10:33 AM

Updated 36 days ago

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Reps. Mike Lawler and Rep. Ritchie Torres announced they are joining forces to introduce legislation that would provide enhanced Secret Service protection to presidential candidates following Saturday's shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania.
Lawler, the Republican representative of New York's 17th District, said the bipartisan legislation would protect all major presidential candidates including President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Lawler said these enhanced protections are necessary because the country is at "a precarious moment."
"Our elections should be determined by votes at a ballot box, not violence at a rally," Lawler said. "I think it is important for all of us, as Americans, as elected officials, as Republicans and Democrats, to unite and make sure that our country's elections, our democracy is safe."
Lawler called the shooting "abhorrent" and added that he hopes the legislation garners universal support.
A staff member of his said he is planning to travel to Milwaukee where the Republican National Convention is scheduled to kick off on Monday.