The Counter SNIPER Act would change how presidential and vice presidential protective details are determined and who leads the United States Secret Service (USSS). It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to give a candidate a written, stated justification within 14 days after the candidate requests protection or an increase in resources, detailing the criteria the candidate did not meet. The candidate would have a right to request reconsideration with new facts, and DHS would must respond with a final written determination within 14 days of the reconsideration, with a copy sent to an advisory committee. Separately, the bill states that the USSS Director shall be appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent, reinforcing Senate confirmation for the agency’s top leader. The bill is titled the Countering Subversion and Negligence in Protecting Election Runners Act (Counter SNIPER Act).
Key Points
- 1Creates a written justification requirement: DHS must provide a written notice within 14 days explaining why a candidate requesting protection or more resources does not meet the criteria for protection.
- 2Establishes a reconsideration process: Candidates can submit new information to DHS, and DHS must issue a final written determination within 14 days of the reconsideration, sharing that final decision with the advisory committee.
- 3Adds due-process-like protections for candidates: The reconsideration mechanism gives candidates a formal path to contest DHS decisions about protective details.
- 4Senate confirmation for USSS Director: The bill reiterates that the USSS Director is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, aligning leadership appointment with Senate oversight.
- 5Short title and scope: The act is named the Countering Subversion and Negligence in Protecting Election Runners Act or the Counter SNIPER Act, with a specific focus on presidential protection and leadership confirmation.