Hank Johnson: “Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 347, which will assist the Secret Service in performing their protective duties, and it does…”

“Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 347, which will assist the Secret Service in performing their protective duties, and it does include the Pittsburgh Steelers organization in the confines of this legislation. The role of the Secret Service has expanded greatly since it was created in 1865 to fight the counterfeiting of U.S. currency. The Secret Service became part of the Treasury Department in 1883 and took on many additional investigative responsibilities with respect to safeguarding the payment and financial systems of the United States. It wasn't until 1894 that the Secret Service first started protecting our Presidents, and that protective role with respect to the President, Vice President, and other dignitaries has grown substantially since that time. The bill before us today will help the Secret Service carry out this protective function. Current Federal law prohibits individuals from entering or remaining in areas cordoned off as restricted because of protection being provided by the Secret Service. This bill would simply clarify that the prohibition under the existing statute only applies to those who do not have lawful authority to be in those areas. The bill also would add the White House and the Vice President's residence to the definition of restricted areas protected under current law.”