Secret Service Prioritization Act of 2025
The Secret Service Prioritization Act of 2025 would shift several investigative and enforcement responsibilities from the United States Secret Service (USSS) to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Specifically, the bill would transfer assets, functions, and obligations to detect and arrest people who violate certain federal criminal provisions—primarily financial crimes involving banks, securities, coins, and electronic fraud—from the USSS to the FBI Director. The transfer is to occur only with the agreement of the Attorney General and the FBI Director and would not affect the authority of other federal agencies. At the same time, the bill would reassign the enforcement of threats against the President and former Presidents (18 U.S.C. 871 and 879) back to the USSS under the direction of the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill also provides a transition period with funding, personnel, and asset transfers, and includes various savings and employment provisions to maintain continuity of operations during the switch. In short, the bill rebalances duties between two federal agencies: moving certain financial crime investigations from the USSS to the FBI, while preserving the Secret Service’s focus on threats to the President and related protection duties. The effective date is 30 days after enactment, with transitional authorization to begin immediately for planning and transfer actions.
Key Points
- 1Transfers to FBI: Assets, functions, and obligations of the USSS to detect and arrest violators of specified federal financial crime laws, including certain banking, securities, and electronic fund transfer offenses, subject to the agreement of the Attorney General and the FBI Director; does not eliminate other agencies’ authority.
- 2Conforming amendment for USSS duties: The USSS would, under DHS direction, retain authority to detect and arrest violations of 18 U.S.C. 871 and 879 (threats against the President and former Presidents).
- 3Transition provisions: Officials who previously oversaw USSS functions must assist the FBI during the transfer; executive agencies may provide services or personnel on a reimbursable basis; assets and obligations transferred with OMB oversight.
- 4Savings and continuity: Completed administrative actions keep their effect; pending proceedings and civil actions continue under existing terms; references to USSS in laws and orders will be updated to reflect the transfer.
- 5Employment and personnel: FBI can adopt or apply existing USSS employment rules; may hire qualified candidates directly into positions; statutory reporting requirements tied to USSS functions may continue if explicitly referenced.
- 6Incidental transfers: The Office of Management and Budget, with FBI, can make additional incidental disposition of personnel and assets to accomplish the transfer.
- 7Effective date: The act generally takes effect 30 days after enactment, with transition actions allowed to begin on enactment day.