Lawmakers Question Funding for Secret Service After Trump's Assassination Attempt

Funding for the U.S. Secret Service in 2025 is under scrutiny after an assassination attempt on former President Trump. Lawmakers are investigating the incident, which occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The attack resulted in one death and two injuries. The Senate Committee on Appropriations and Subcommittee on Homeland Security has postponed the markup for Department of Homeland Security funding to allow for further discussions on the Secret Service's financial requirements.

Lawmakers Question Secret Service Funding

Democratic Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy and Republican Alabama Sen. Katie Britt expressed concerns about the allocation of funding to the U.S. Secret Service following the assassination attempt on former President Trump. They raised questions about the Secret Service's use of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding to carry out its mission of protecting current and former presidents, political leaders, and their families.

Fiscal Allocation and Shortfalls

The Congress had previously allocated over $3 billion to the U.S. Secret Service. Despite this substantial allocation, concerns were raised as the staffing levels had seen a slight decrease. The senators highlighted that the Secret Service had submitted a reprogramming notification to cover a $19 million shortfall for protection-related travel funding prior to the assassination attempt.

Increased Responsibility and Mission Fulfillment

The U.S. Secret Service has been tasked with an increased level of responsibility, particularly concerning the protection of the 2024 presidential campaign. Questions have arisen regarding the agency's ability to fulfill its mission given the shifting of funds to cover previous shortfalls. The Senate subcommittee is seeking clarification on how the U.S. Secret Service has utilized the allocated funding and whether it foresees any financial shortfalls in the upcoming fiscal year.