Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) has introduced a bill to strip Secret Service protections from former President Donald Trump and other protectees convicted of felonies.
According to The Post Millenial, a prominent left-wing representative, Thompson has named the legislation the “Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable Former Protectees Act.” The bill seeks to amend US Code Section 3056(a) of Title 18, removing Secret Service protection for any protectee sentenced for a federal or state offense punishable by at least one year of imprisonment.
The introduction of HR 8081 has sparked considerable debate. Eight other Democrat representatives have co-sponsored the bill: Troy Carter (D-LA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Bonnie Coleman (D-NJ), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), and Steve Cohen (D-TN). The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. However, due to the Republican leadership within the committee, it is expected to face significant hurdles.
Thompson's motivation for introducing the bill stems from the recent legal proceedings involving former President Trump. He expressed a strong stance on the matter, stating:
Today’s verdict confirms what we have always known: Donald Trump is a criminal who thinks nothing of breaking the law, or our Constitution, to get what he wants. No one, especially an ex-President, is above the law.
HR 8081 is designed to apply broadly, potentially affecting any Secret Service protectee convicted of a felony. Thompson emphasized this point, noting, “This measure would apply to former President Trump. It also would apply to all Secret Service protectees convicted and sentenced under felony charges.”
The bill's provisions aim to hold all individuals receiving Secret Service protection accountable under the law, ensuring that those convicted of serious offenses do not continue to benefit from taxpayer-funded security details.
While the bill has garnered support from several Democrat representatives, it has also sparked some mixed reactions within the party. Democrat Rep. Dean Phillips has suggested an alternative approach, calling for former President Trump to be pardoned by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Phillips’ stance highlights the divisions within the Democratic Party regarding the appropriate response to Trump's legal troubles. Some see the conviction as a justified outcome of a fair legal process, while others view it as potentially excessive and politically motivated.
Despite these differing perspectives, the bill's sponsors remain committed to advancing HR 8081 through the legislative process. They argue that it is necessary to uphold the Secret Service's integrity and ensure that convicted felons do not receive undue protection.
The introduction of HR 8081 has also prompted discussions about its broader implications. Thompson has argued that the bill is not solely targeted at Trump but would apply to any protectee convicted of serious crimes, including potentially controversial figures such as Hunter Biden, if he were to be convicted of felony charges.
This broad applicability underscores the bill's intention to address a perceived gap in current protections afforded to high-profile individuals, regardless of their political affiliations or past positions.
As the debate over HR 8081 continues, whether the bill will gain enough traction to advance through the House Judiciary Committee remains to be seen. The Republican leadership’s control of the committee poses a significant challenge to its progression.
In summary, Representative Bennie Thompson has introduced a bill aimed at revoking Secret Service protections for convicted felons, including former President Donald Trump. The bill, supported by eight other Democrat representatives, faces an uphill battle in the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee. It seeks to ensure that those convicted of serious offenses do not benefit from taxpayer-funded security amidst a backdrop of mixed reactions and political implications.
