Overview
Title
To terminate United States Secret Service protection for felons.
ELI5 AI
This bill says that if people get in big trouble and are sent to prison for more than a year, they might not get special protection from the Secret Service anymore.
Summary AI
H.R. 8081 seeks to end Secret Service protection for individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes. Specifically, the bill would modify the existing law to terminate Secret Service protection for anyone sentenced to more than one year in prison for a federal or state offense. Introduced by Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and others, this bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.
Published
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
The bill, titled "Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable Former Protectees Act", or the "DISGRACED Former Protectees Act", proposes changes to the United States Code. Specifically, it targets the Secret Service protection afforded to certain individuals. According to the bill, anyone convicted and sentenced for a federal or state offense that is punishable by at least one year of imprisonment would lose their Secret Service protection. The protection ends as soon as the person is sentenced following their conviction.
Summary of Significant Issues
One of the primary issues with the bill is its vague language concerning retroactive application. It is not clear whether individuals already sentenced for applicable felonies would lose their protection. This lack of clarity could not only lead to challenges in court but also raises questions about fair application across cases. Additionally, there is ambiguity in the phrase "punishable for a term of imprisonment of at least one year." It is unclear whether this refers to the actual sentence received or the maximum sentence possible under law, which could lead to different interpretations and inconsistent enforcement.
The bill title, while descriptive, is notably lengthy and complex, possibly hindering easy reference. Moreover, using the acronym "DISGRACED" is seen by some as potentially inflammatory or biased, which may affect how the public and lawmakers perceive the bill. Additionally, the bill does not mention potential exceptions, such as cases where a sentence has been pardoned or commuted, raising concerns about fairness and rehabilitation.
Impact on the Public
The impact of this bill could be significant, particularly in terms of public perception regarding the use of government resources. If implemented effectively, it might be seen as a step towards ensuring that government protections are only extended to those who have not engaged in serious criminal activity, thus preserving resources for those deemed more suitable for such protection.
However, there could also be negative public reactions, particularly if the bill is seen as targeting individuals unfairly or if its implementation is inconsistent. Moreover, the lack of clarity concerning retroactive application and the absence of exceptions could result in unnecessary legal challenges and uneven treatment.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
1. Former Protectees with Criminal Convictions: These individuals stand to be directly affected, as they could lose their Secret Service protection. This could potentially leave some individuals vulnerable if they are yet to be deemed a threat to national security or public figures.
2. Legal and Judicial Systems: The ambiguity surrounding the retroactive application and the interpretation of the language used could lead to an influx of legal challenges. The judiciary may need to interpret the law's terms, which could create additional burdens on courts.
3. Government and Secret Service: This bill could influence how resources are allocated by the Secret Service. If efficiently implemented, it could mean that resources are redirected to other protectees deemed more in need of protection.
4. Lawmakers and Public Opinion: The bill’s title and language could influence public and legislative debates. Those supportive of stern measures against convicted felons might view it positively, whereas others might see the language as politically charged, potentially leading to polarized discourse.
In conclusion, while the bill aims to ensure that Secret Service protection is not granted to those convicted of significant felonies, it raises several interpretative and practical issues that need addressing to ensure it is fair, transparent, and implementable.
Issues
The amendment in Section 2 lacks clarity on its retroactive applicability, potentially leading to legal challenges or confusion regarding its implementation. This could significantly impact individuals affected by the bill who have already been sentenced for certain felonies prior to the bill's enactment.
The language in Section 2 stating 'punishable for a term of imprisonment of at least one year' is ambiguous. It is unclear whether it applies to the sentence given or the maximum sentence possible under law, creating potential for differing interpretations and inconsistent application.
The short title of the Act in Section 1 uses the acronym 'DISGRACED Former Protectees Act', which may be seen as inflammatory or biased, possibly leading to perceptions of partiality or political motivation. This choice of language could influence public opinion and legislative debate.
Section 2 does not mention any exceptions, such as for felons who receive a pardon or have their sentence commuted, potentially leaving gaps in the protection framework and raising ethical concerns about fairness and rehabilitation opportunities.
The bill title as mentioned in Section 1 is long and complex, which might hinder easy reference or comprehension by the general public and lawmakers alike, possibly affecting the dissemination and understanding of the bill's implications.
The amendment in Section 2 references paragraphs (1) through (8) without specifying them within the text, requiring additional context or cross-referencing with other legal documents. This may affect accessibility and transparency for stakeholders reviewing the legislation.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section provides the short title for the Act, which is called the "Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable Former Protectees Act" or simply the "DISGRACED Former Protectees Act."
2. Denying certain felons secret service protection Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The proposed amendment to Section 3056(a) of title 18, United States Code, states that Secret Service protection will end for individuals convicted and sentenced for any federal or state offense that could lead to imprisonment for at least one year.