Congressional Task Force Recommends Secret Service Reforms

A bipartisan congressional task force has released a comprehensive 180-page report recommending significant reforms to the U.S. Secret Service following two assassination attempts on Donald Trump during his campaign. The report criticizes the agency's security lapses, particularly during the July shooting in Pennsylvania where Trump was injured, and suggests that the Secret Service protect fewer foreign leaders during election season while considering moving out of the Department of Homeland Security. It highlights issues such as poor communication, inadequate planning, and staffing problems that contributed to the security failures. The task force calls for a systemic review of the agency's protocols, emphasizing the need to focus on protecting U.S. leaders during critical electoral periods. Additionally, the report urges Congress to determine whether the Secret Service's mission should be redefined and its structure revised to better ensure safety. These recommendations come amid increasing scrutiny and criticism of the Secret Service's effectiveness.