This bill makes the process for Secret Service protection of presidential and vice presidential candidates more transparent and faster. If the Department of Homeland Security says no to a candidate’s request for a protection detail or more resources, it must send the candidate a written explanation within 14 days, showing which criteria were not met. The candidate can ask DHS to reconsider and share new facts, and DHS must give a final written decision within another 14 days and share it with the advisory committee as well.

It also changes how the Secret Service is led. The Director of the Secret Service would need to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, rather than serving without Senate approval. This aims to add more accountability at the top of the agency.

• Who is affected: Presidential and vice presidential candidates; the Secret Service and DHS leadership.
• What changes: Clear written reasons for denying or limiting protection; a quick 14-day timeline for decisions and appeals; Senate confirmation required for the Secret Service Director.
• When: The timelines apply once a candidate requests protection or more resources (14 days for the first decision, 14 days for the reconsideration decision).