Bennie Thompson Bill Would Allow Secret Service to Hire Felons

Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, has introduced legislation that could reshape the U.S. Secret Service’s hiring practices. 

The proposed bill, known as the Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable Former Protectees Act (or simply the Disgraced Former Protectees Act), aims to address a critical question:

Should the Secret Service be allowed to hire individuals with prior felony convictions?

Background

The U.S. Secret Service has a long history of protecting presidents, former presidents, high-level officials, and select family members. 

Since 1901, this protective mission has been carried out by the agency. However, existing federal law prohibits the hiring of felons for Secret Service positions. 

Congressman Thompson’s bill seeks to challenge this restriction and open up new employment opportunities within the agency.

The Proposal by Bennie Thompson

Here are the key points of the proposed legislation:

1. Automatic Termination of Protection: The Disgraced Former Protectees Act would automatically terminate Secret Service protection for anyone convicted of a federal or state felony and subsequently sentenced to prison. This provision clarifies that prison authorities would be responsible for protecting all inmates, regardless of their previous Secret Service status.
2. Balancing Protection and Justice: Congressman Thompson acknowledges that current law does not anticipate how Secret Service protection might impact the prison sentence of a protectee, even if that protectee is a former President.
3. By updating the law, the bill aims to ensure that protective status does not translate into special treatment and that those sentenced to prison serve their required time.
4. Exigency Created by Trump’s Legal Challenges: The press release accompanying the bill highlights former President Donald Trump’s 91 felony charges across federal and state courts. 

These charges have created a new exigency, prompting Congress to address the delicate balance between Secret Service protection and the criminal justice process.

Controversy and Considerations

While the bill aims to enhance transparency and fairness, it is not without controversy:

• Security Risks: Critics argue that hiring felons could pose security risks, especially in sensitive positions.
• Second Chances: Supporters believe in second chances and rehabilitation, emphasizing that some individuals with prior convictions have turned their lives around.

As the Disgraced Former Protectees Act makes its way through Congress, it raises critical questions about criminal justice reform, employment policies, and national security. Balancing the need for protection with the principles of justice remains at the heart of this legislative debate.