Bennie Thompson brings bill to strip Secret Service protections from convicted felons

Thompson introduced HR 8081, or the “Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable Former Protectees Act," which would "terminate United States Secret Service protection for felons." Thompson is the former chair of the J6 Committee that went after Trump for the actions at the Capitol after the 2020 election.

The bill, if passed, would amend US Code Section 3056(a) of Title 18 to state that Secret Service protection for protectees would be revoked if they are sentenced for a "conviction for a Federal or State offense that is punishable for a term of imprisonment of at least one year.”

After the conviction came down last week, Thompson posted, "Today’s verdict confirms what we have always known: Donald Trump is a criminal who thinks nothing of breaking the law, or our Constitution, to get what he wants. No one, especially an ex-President, is above the law."

Trump's conviction in the case, however, has been seen by many to be a politicized process. Democrat Rep. Dean Phillips even called for Trump to be pardoned by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

HR 8081 has been cosponsored by eight other Democrat representatives, including, Troy Carter (D-LA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Bonnie Coleman (D-NJ), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), and Steve Cohen (D-TN) as of Tuesday morning. The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it is likely not to proceed under GOP leadership.

In a press release on the matter, Thompson wrote, "This measure would apply to former President Trump. It also would apply to all Secret Service protectees convicted and sentenced under felony charges." The bill comes amid accused criminal offenses against Hunter Biden as well, and if it is passed, would revoke President Biden's son's Secret Service protections if he is convicted of a felony.