Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in strong support of H.R. 5938, the Former Vice President Protection Act of 2008. The Secret Service must be authorized by law or the President to provide protection. Federal law provides Secret Service protection to sitting Presidents and Vice Presidents, former Presidents, their spouses and children, visiting heads of state, Presidential candidates, and other dignitaries. However, the statute does not include former Vice Presidents. For the past 30 years, it has been common practice for former Vice Presidents to receive protection on a temporary basis via a joint resolution of Congress or Presidential memorandum. This temporary protection typically continues for 6 months after the Vice President leaves office. When necessary, Congress or the President has extended this protection for an additional 6 months. H.R. 5938, the Former Vice President Protection Act, makes this routine practice a permanent authority of the Secret Service. H.R. 5938 amends title 18 to provide statutory protection of former Vice Presidents, their spouses and their children under the age of 16 for the initial 6 months after leaving office.”