Counter SNIPER Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 883
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-03T08:05:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Countering Subversion and Negligence in Protecting Election Runners Act" (or "Counter SNIPER Act") aims to increase transparency and accountability in decisions about protecting presidential and vice presidential candidates. It requires explanations for denials of protection and mandates Senate approval for the head of the U.S. Secret Service.
Key Provisions
- Justification for Protection Decisions: If the Secretary of Homeland Security denies a presidential or vice presidential candidate's request for a protective detail (security team) or an increase in resources, the Secretary must provide a written notice within 14 days. This notice explains the specific criteria the candidate failed to meet.
- Reconsideration Process: Candidates can submit a written request for reconsideration, including supporting facts. The Secretary must review it and issue a final written decision within another 14 days, sharing a copy with an advisory committee (a group that advises on protection matters).
- Appointment of Secret Service Director: The Director of the U.S. Secret Service must be appointed by the President with the Senate's advice and consent, meaning the Senate must confirm the nominee.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 3056 of Title 18, U.S. Code (which governs Secret Service protections), by adding new subsections (h) and (i).
- Introduces mandatory written justifications and a formal reconsideration process for protection denials, which were not previously required.
- Shifts the Secret Service Director's appointment from presidential selection alone to one requiring Senate confirmation, adding a layer of legislative oversight.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Secret Service may face increased administrative workload due to documentation and review requirements, potentially leading to more consistent and defensible decisions on resource allocation.
- On Citizens: Enhances public trust in election security by ensuring candidates receive clear reasons for protection outcomes, which could affect how campaigns operate during elections.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly influence perceptions of U.S. election integrity if protection decisions become more transparent.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates: Gain rights to explanations and appeals for protection requests, improving access to security resources.
- Secretary of Homeland Security and U.S. Secret Service: Must adhere to new procedural timelines and reporting, affecting operational decision-making.
- U.S. Senate: Assumes a confirmation role for the Secret Service Director, increasing its influence over agency leadership.
- Advisory Committee: Receives copies of final determinations, allowing input on protection policies without direct enforcement power.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Promotes due process in administrative decisions by requiring justifications, aligning with principles of transparency under federal law (e.g., avoiding arbitrary denials).
- Constitutional: Reinforces the Senate's "advice and consent" role under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, extending it to the Secret Service Director for greater checks and balances.
- Political: Could reduce controversy over protection decisions during elections by mandating accountability, but might politicize Senate confirmations if nominees face partisan scrutiny. No major challenges to existing constitutional structures are evident.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Countering Subversion and Negligence in Protecting Election Runners Act — issued 2025-01-31 — PDF (3 pages)