Bipartisan Bill Would Reimburse State and Local Police for Secret Service Protection Duties
A new bipartisan bill would authorize the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) to reimburse state and local police departments for assisting with visits for protectees, including the president and vice president. This as local agencies say they deal with significant overtime, staffing, and equipment expenses when supporting USSS during high-profile visits.
The Secret Service-Local Law Enforcement Partnership Act (H.R. 7876) was introduced by Reps. Greg Landsman (D-OH) and August Pfluger (R-TX). Rep. Landsman’s district includes parts of Cincinnati, where Vice President JD Vance has a home.
The legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reimburse state and local law enforcement agencies $61 million a year in fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028, for services, personnel, and equipment required to support the Secret Service’s mission.
“Millions of dollars would come back to local law enforcement – our communities – to strengthen the partnership between local and federal agencies to keep everybody safe,” said Rep. Landsman.
“This commonsense legislation strengthens public safety, protects local taxpayer dollars, and reinforces the essential partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement,” said Rep. Pfluger.
The legislation has the support of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
“This money would be used towards purchasing equipment, hiring personnel, and other necessary items to ensure that law enforcement agencies have the tools needed to assist the USSS,” said FOP national president Patrick Yoes.
In addition, the bill requires DHS to provide Congress with updates on the use of grants under the Presidential Residence Protection Assistance program to ensure they are properly spent by state and local police.
The bill is currently pending before the House Judiciary Committee.
