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Secret Service Protection for Vice President and Secretary of State: December 1976 - January 1977 (3)
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6283039
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Secret Service Protection for Vice President and Secretary of State: December 1976 - January 1977 (3)
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White House Special Files Unit Files
Issue Decision Papers for the President
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Department of the Treasury. U.S. Secret Service. 1943-2003
Department of State. 9/1789-
Vice-Presidents
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The original documents are located in Box 7, folder "Secret Service Protection for Vice
President and Secretary of State: December, 1976 - January, 1977 (3)" of the White House
Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Determined to be an administrative marking
Cancelled per E.O. 12356, Sec. 1.3 and
CONFIDENTIAL
Archivist's memo of March 16, 1983
By
DAD NARS date 6/27/85
Protection of Former Vice Presidents
and other Federal Officials
Currently, the Secret Service is specifically authorized to provide
protection to former Presidents, their wives or widows (until
remarriage), and children under 16 years of age (18 U.S.C. 3056).
The Secret Service has no specific authorization to protect Vice
Presidents or other Federal officials after they leave office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State have been
threatened because of their Federal service. Both now are currently
protected by the Secret Service, but this protection will end on
January 20 unless Congress authorizes an extension of protective
services.
In past years, the number of threats against prominent Federal officials
has declined substantially after they have left office. The emergence
of numerous and mobile foreign terrorist groups in the past few years,
however, creates an uncertain degree of additional risk for these
officials and their families.
Because of the worldwide public identification of the current Secretary
of State with the development of U.S. foreign policy and his major role
in several heated, international disputes, there is particular concern
about recent threats against Secretary Kissinger.
The primary threats against the life of the Secretary of State have been
made by foreign terrorist groups who are known to have assassinated
other individuals and who may very well take action after the Secretary
leaves office. (Middle Eastern groups--who are noted for their perser-
verance--are the source of the most disturbing recent thréats).
We must be willing to protect the lives of Federal officials--Vice
Presidents, Congressmen, or Cabinet Secretaries--who are threatened because
of the great service they have provided to their country.
The President would be authorized to provide protection to former
officials whose lives are in "significant danger as a consequence
of the discharge of the officials responsibilities while in Office"
and his immediate family by the Secret Service, the security force
of the formal official's agency, or private firm.
Protection would be authorized for up to six months and could be
extended.
The estimated cost of providing Secret Service protection to a former
high government official would range from $1 million to $4 million
depending upon the threat level and family circumstances. Foreign
and to a lesser extent domestic travel would substantially increase
these costs.
Digitized from Box 7 of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 11, 1977
GERALS FORD
BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL MEETING
Tuesday, January 11, 1977
4:00 p.m. (30 minutes)
The Cabinet Room
From: Max L. Friedersdorf m.f.
I. PURPOSE
To brief the chairmen and ranking Members of the
jurisdictional committees on proposed legislation
for the protection of former Vice Presidents and
other Federal officials.
II. BACKGROUND
A. Background: The President plans to transmit proposed
legislation for the protection of former Vice Presidents
and other Federal officials at an early date, and wishes
to discuss this proposal with the jurisdictional
committee Members. The committees represented are: House
Appropriations, Judiciary and Government Operations; Senate
Appropriations and Finance.
B. Participants:
See TAB A
C. Press Plan: None - White House photographer only.
III. TALKING POINTS
See TAB B
PARTICIPANTS
The President
HOUSE
SENATE
Tom Steed
Lawton Chiles
Clarence Miller
Henry Bellmon
Jack Brooks
Russell Long
Frank Horton
Carl Curtis
Pete Rodino
Bob McClory
BEFFER
LIBRARY
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE STAFF
Tex Gunnels
Fred Rhodes
George Patten
STAFF
Jack Marsh
Dick Cheney
Max Friedersdorf
Phil Buchen
Brent Scowcroft
Susan Herter
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 11, 1977
BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL MEETING
Tuesday, January 11, 1977
4:00 p.m. (30 minutes)
The Cabinet Room
From: Max L. Friedersdorf m.6.
I. PURPOSE
To brief the chairmen and ranking Members of the
jurisdictional committees on proposed legislation
for the protection of former Vice Presidents and
other Federal officials.
II. BACKGROUND
A. Background: The President plans to transmit proposed
legislation for the protection of former Vice Presidents
and other Federal officials at an early date, and wishes
to discuss this proposal with the jurisdictional
committee Members. The committees represented are: House
Appropriations, Judiciary and Government Operations; Senate
Appropriations and Finance.
B. Participants:
See TAB A
C. Press Plan: None - White House photographer only.
III. TALKING POINTS
See TAB B
LIBRARY
PARTICIPANTS
The President
HOUSE
SENATE
Tom Steed
Lawton Chiles
Clarence Miller
Henry Bellmon
Jack Brooks
Russell Long
Frank Horton
Carl Curtis
Pete Rodino
Bob McClory
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE STAFF
Tex Gunnels
Fred Rhodes
George Patten
STAFF
Jack Marsh
Dick Cheney
Max Friedersdorf
Phil Buchen
Brent Scowcroft
Susan Herter
B
to
Determined to be an administrative marking
CONFIDENTIAL
Cancelled per E.O. 12356, Sec. 1.3 and
Archivist's memo of March 16, 1983
By
AP
NARS date 6/27/85
Protection of Former Vice Presidents
and other Federal Officials
Currently, the Secret Service is specifically authorized to provide
protection to former Presidents, their wives or widows (until
remarriage), and children under 16 years of age (18 U.S.C. 3056).
The Secret Service has no specific authorization to protect Vice
Presidents or other Federal officials after they leave office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State haye been
threatened because of their Federal service. Both now are currently
protected by the Secret Service, but this protection will end on
January 20 unless Congress authorizes an extension of protective
services.
In past years, the number of threats against prominent Federal officials
has declined substantially after they have left office. The emergence
of numerous and mobile foreign terrorist groups in the past few years,
however, creates an uncertain degree of additional risk for these
officials and their families.
Because of the worldwide public identification of the current Secretary
of State with the development of U.S. foreign policy and his major role
in several heated, international disputes, there is particular concern
about recent threats against Secretary Kissinger.
The primary threats against the life of the Secretary of State have been
made by foreign terrorist groups who are known to have assassinated
other individuals and who may very well take action after the Secretary
leaves office. (Middle Eastern groups--who are noted for their perser-
verance--are the source of the most disturbing recent thréats).
We must be willing to protect the lives of Federal officials--Vice
Presidents, Congressmen, or Cabinet Secretaries--who are threatened because
of the great service they have provided to their country.
The President would be authorized to provide protection to former
officials whose lives are in "significant danger as a consequence
of the discharge of the officials responsibilities while in Office"
and his immediate family by the Secret Service, the security force
of the formal official's agency, or private firm.
Protection would be authorized for up to six months and could be
extended.
The estimated cost of providing Secret Service protection to a former
high government official would range from $1 million to $4 million
depending upon the threat level and family circumstances. Foreign
and to a lesser extent domestic travel would substantially increase
these costs.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TIBRARY
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress an
urgent Joint Resolution which would authorize the Secret
Service to furnish protection to a person who as a Federal
Government official or as a member of such official's
immediate family had been receiving protection for a period
immediately preceding January 20, 1977, if the President
determined that such person may thereafter be in signifi-
cant danger. This protection could not continue beyond
July 20, 1977, unless otherwise permitted by law.
The lives of the Vice President, the Secretary of State,
and other Federal officials have been threatened because
of their service to the United States and the American
people. The number of threats against prominent Federal
officials normally declines after they leave office. The
emergence in recent years of numerous and mobile foreign
terrorist groups has created an uncertain degree of risk
for the Vice President and the Secretary of State; they
are natural targets for individuals and groups prone to
violence. Threats against Secretary Kissinger's life are
current and continuing.
We cannot in good conscience subject any departing Vice
President, Secretary of State, or any other Federal offi-
cial to possible harm because of his or her service to
the United States. Because this danger results directly
from the high visibility of their positions, I believe
that the Federal Government has an obligation to provide
them and their immediate families, if necessary, with
protection as long as there is significant danger to their
lives.
Existing statutory authority is not adequate for this purpose.
Consequently, unless the Congress acts immediately, protec-
tive services necessary to ensure the continued safety of
the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and other Federal
officials cannot be provided after they leave office on
January 20.
2
The emergency resolution that I am proposing is a temporary
measure that would cover both the Vice President and other
Federal officials currently receiving protection after
they leave office. It would authorize that Secret Service
protection continue for the Vice President and other Federal
officials for a maximum of six months so long as the
President determines that they are in significant danger.
Similar protection could be extended to their families.
I urge the Congress to act swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Thomas P. O'Neill
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
JOINT RESOLUTION
To authorize the United States Secret Service to
continue to furnish protection to certain
former Federal officials or members of their
immediate families.
GERALD
LIBRARY
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That the United States Secret Service, in addition to
other duties now provided by law, is authorized to
furnish protection to a person who (a) as a Federal
Government official has been receiving protection by
the United States Secret Service for a period immediately
preceding January 20, 1977, or (b) as a member of such
official's immediate family has been receiving protection
by either the United States Secret Service or other
security personnel of the official's department immediately
preceding January 20, 1977, if the President determines
that such person may thereafter be in significant danger;
provided, however, that protection of any such person
shall continue only for such period as the President
determines and shall not continue beyond July 20, 1977,
unless otherwise permitted by law.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
GERALD
LIBRARY
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation
which would authorize that the Secret Service furnish protection to a
person who as a Federal Government official or as a member of such
official's immediate family had been receiving such protection for a
period immediately preceding January 20 1977, if the President
determined that such person may thereafter be in significant danger.
This protection could not continue beyond July 20, 1977, unless
otherwise permitted by law.
The lives of the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and other
Federal officials have been threatened because of their service to
the United States and the American people. The number of threats
against prominent Federal of Vicials normally declines after they
leave office. The emergence in recent years of numerous and mobile
foreign terrorist groups has created an uncertain degree of risk
for the Vice President and the Secretary of State; they are natural
targets for individuals and groups prone to violence. Threats against
Secretary Kissinger's life are current and continuing.
We cannot in good conscience subject any departing Vice President,
Secretary of State, or any other Federal official to possible harm
because of his or her service to the United States. Because this
danger results directly from the high visibility of their positions,
I believe that the Federal Government has an obligation to provide
them and their immediate families, if necessary, with protection as
long as there is significant danger to their lives.
Existing statutory authority is not adequate for this purpose.
Consequently, unless the Congress acts, protective services
necessary to ensure the continued safety of the Vice President,
the Secretary of State, and other Federal officials cannot be
provided after they leave office on January 20.
The emergency legislation I am proposing would cover both the
Vice President and other Federal officials after they leave
office. It would authorize that Secret Service protection
continue for the Vice President and other Federal officials
for a maximum of six months so long as the President determines
that they are in significant danger. Similar protection could
be extended to their families.
2
I urge the Congress to act swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
FORDO is LIBRARY 078829
The Honorable Thomas P. O'Neill
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
JOINT RESOLUTION
TO authorize the United States Secret Service to
continue to furnish protection to certain former
Federal officials or members of chair immediate
families.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That the United States Secret Service, in addition to
other duties now provided by law, is authorized to
furnish protection to a person who (a) as a Federal Government
official has been receiving protection by the United States
Secret Service for a period immediately preceding January 20,
1977, or (b) as a member of such official's immediate family
has been receiving protection by either the United States
Secret Service or other security personnel of the official's
department immediately preceding January 20, 1977, if the
President determines that such person may thereafter be in
significant danger; provided, however, that protection of any
such person shall continue only for such period as the
President determines and shall not continue beyond
July 20, 1977, unless otherwise permitted by law.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
in
FORD
LIBRARY
Dear Mr. President:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation
which would authorize that the Secret Service furnish protection to a
person who as a Federal Government official or as a member of such
official's immediate family had been receiving such protection for a
period immediately preceding January 20, 1977, if the President
determined that such person may thereafter be in significant danger.
This protection could not continue beyond July 20, 1977, unless
otherwise permitted by law.
The lives of the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and other
Federal officials have been threatened because of their service to
the United States and the American people. The number of threats
against prominent Federal officials normally declines after they
leave office. The emergence in recent years of numerous and mobile
foreign terrorist groups has created an uncertain degree of risk
for the Vice President and the Secretary of State; they are natural
targets for individuals and groups prone to violence. Threats against
Secretary Kissinger's life are current and continuing.
We cannot in good conscience subject any departing Vice President,
Secretary of State, or any other Federal official to possible harm
because of his or her service to the United States. Because this
danger results directly from the high visibility of their positions,
I believe that the Federal Government has an obligation to provide
them and their immediate families, if necessary, with protection as
long as there is significant danger to their lives.
Existing statutory authority is not adequate for this purpose.
Consequently, unless the Congress acts, protective services
necessary to ensure the continued safety of the Vice President,
the Secretary of State, and other Federal officials cannot be
provided after they leave office on January 20.
The emergency legislation I am proposing would cover both the
Vice President and other Federal officials after they leave
office. It would authorize that Secret Service protection
continue for the Vice President and other Federal officials
for a maximum of six months so long as the President determines
that they are in significant danger. Similar protection could
be extended to their families.
2
I urge the Congress to act swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
FORD LIERARY
The Honorable Nelson A. Rockefeller
President of the Senate
U.S. Senate
Washington, D. C. 20510
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
JAN 13 1977
FORD
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
LIBRARY
FROM:
JAMES T. LYNN
Ohien
SUBJECT:
Continuation of Secret Service
Protection for Former Federal
Government officials
Attached for your approval is a joint resolution which would
authorize that Secret Service protection be continued for
Federal officials after they leave office if the President
determines their lives are in significant danger. This
protection could be provided to former officials and their
families. Transmittal letters to the Speaker and the
Vice President are also attached for your signature.
The proposed legislation carries out your decisions made at the
meeting with Congressional leaders on January 11, 1977. It
would allow protection to be continued for Vice President
Rockefeller, Secretary Kissinger, and Secretary Simon, as well
as their families fcr a maximum of six months. You indicated
that you wanted this legislation to be transmitted promptly so
that the Congress will have the opportunity to pass a bill before
January 20.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 13, 1977
BREAKFAST MEETING WITH BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
Friday, January 14, 1977
8:00-9:30 A.M. (90 Minutes)
The First Floor Dining Room
From: Max L. Friedersdorf m.f.
I. PURPOSE
To bid farewell to the newly elected bipartisan
Congressional leadership of the 95th Congress, and
recommend passage of legislation to provide post-
inaugural Secret Service protection for certain
Administration officials.
II. BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS & PRESS PLAN
A. Background:
1. Both the House and Senate Republicans and
Democrats have elected their new officers for
the 95th Congress, and three of the top four
offices have changed, namely, the Speaker and
Senate Majority and Minority Leaders.
2. The President has received information from the
Secret Service that there may be personal danger
to Secretary Kissinger and the Vice President
following their departure from office on January 20,
1977 (See Tab A).
3. The President has proposed to the Congressional
jurisdictional Chairman and ranking members that
legislation be passed prior to January 20, authoriz-
ing the President to continue protection for the
endangered officials for a period up to six months
after January 20.
4. The leaders may also raise additional legislature
matters with the President, including the President's
intention on the pay raise matter and gas decontrol.
B. Participants: (See Tab B)
-2-
C. Press Plan: Meeting to be announced by Press Office.
White House photos.
III. TALKING POINTS
1. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate
each of you upon your election to offices of leader-
ship in the Congress.
2. At the same time, I wish to extend my farewell prior
to my departure on January 20th.
3. I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve with all
of you in a position of responsibility. You have
my best wishes for success in the 95th Congress.
4. There is one piece of legislative business that I
would like to mention. This pertains to the matter
of Secret Service protection for certain departing
Members of this Administration now receiving protection
(See Tab C).
B
PARTICIPANTS
The President
HOUSE
SENATE
Bob Michel
Howard Baker
John Anderson
Ted Stevens
Sam Devine
Bob Packwood
Del Clawson
Cliff Hansen
Bill Frenzel
Hubert Humphrey
Jim Quillen
Bob Byrd
Guy Vander Jagt
Alan Cranston
Tip O'Neill
Dan Inouye
Jim Wright
John Brademas
STAFF
Bob Hartmann
Jack Marsh
Dick Cheney
Brent Scowcroft
Phil Buchen
Max Friedersdorf
Jim Cannon
Jim Lynn
Alan Greenspan
REGRETS
The Vice President
Sen. Curtis
Sen. Tower
Sen. Eastland
Rep. Rhodes
Rep. Edwards
Rep. Foley
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
January 14, 1977
Dear Mr. President:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress an
urgent Joint Resolution which would authorize the Secret
Service to furnish protection to a person who as a Federal
Government official or as a member of such official's
immediate family had been receiving protection for a period
immediately preceding January 20, 1977, if the President
determined that such person may thereafter be in signifi-
cant danger. This protection could not continue beyond
July 20, 1977, unless otherwise permitted by law.
The lives of the Vice President, the Secretary of State,
and other Federal officials have been threatened because
of their service to the United States and the American
people. The number of threats against prominent Federal
officials normally declines after they leave office. The
emergence in recent years of numerous and mobile foreign
terrorist groups has created an added degree of risk,
especially for the Vice President and the Secretary of
State; they are natural targets for individuals and groups
prone to violence. Threats against Secretary Kissinger's
life are current and continuing.
We cannot in good conscience subject any departing Vice
President, Secretary of State, or any other Federal offi-
cial to possible harm because of his or her service to
the United States. Because this danger results directly
from the high visibility of their positions, I believe
that the Federal Government has an obligation to provide
them and their immediate families, if necessary, with
protection as long as there is significant danger to their
lives.
Existing statutory authority is not adequate for this purpose.
Consequently, unless the Congress acts immediately, protec-
tive services necessary to ensure the continued safety of
the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and other Federal
officials cannot be provided after they leave office on
January 20.
2
The emergency resolution that I am proposing is a temporary
measure. It would allow the next President to extend pro-
tection, if the situation warrants, to one or more of the
persons having protection now who would otherwise abruptly
lose that protection next Thursday. The persons now having
protection, in addition to me and my immediate family (of
whom Betty and I, but not our children, will have continued
protection under existing law) are the Vice President and
the Secretaries of State and Treasury and their immediate
families, but it is likely that only a few of those persons
will require extended protection after next Thursday and
for merely limited periods as the next President may deter-
mine. In any event no such protection could go beyond
July 20, 1977 unless the Congress should act later to
permit protection over a longer period in particular
instances.
The adoption of this proposed resolution is endorsed by
the Secret Service, and I request that the Congress act
swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
FORD
LIBRAR
The Honorable Nelson A. Rockefeller
President of the Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
JOINT RESOLUTION
To authorize the United States Secret Service to
continue to furnish protection to certain
former Federal officials or members of their
immediate families.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That the United States Secret Service, in addition to
other duties now provided by law, is authorized to
furnish protection to a person who (a) as a Federal
Government official has been receiving protection by
the United States Secret Service for a period immediately
preceding January 20, 1977, or (b) as a member of such
official's immediate family has been receiving protection
by either the United States Secret Service or other
security personnel of the official's department immediately
preceding January 20, 1977, if the President determines
that such person may thereafter be in significant danger;
provided, however, that protection of any such person
shall continue only for such period as the President
determines and shall not continue beyond July 20, 1977,
unless otherwise permitted by law.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 14, 1977
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress an
urgent Joint Resolution which would authorize the Secret
Service to furnish protection to a person who as a Federal
Government official or as a member of such official's
immediate family had been receiving protection for a period
immediately preceding January 20, 1977, if the President
determined that such person may thereafter be in signifi-
cant danger. This protection could not continue beyond
July 20, 1977, unless otherwise permitted by law.
The lives of the Vice President, the Secretary of State,
and other Federal officials have been threatened because
of their service to the United States and the American
people. The number of threats against prominent Federal
officials normally declines after they leave office. The
emergence in recent years of numerous and mobile foreign
terrorist groups has created an added degree of risk,
especially for the Vice President and the Secretary of
State; they are natural targets for individuals and groups
prone to violence. Threats against Secretary Kissinger's
life are current and continuing.
We cannot in good conscience subject any departing Vice
President, Secretary of State, or any other Federal offi-
cial to possible harm because of his or her service to
the United States. Because this danger results directly
from the high visibility of their positions, I believe
that the Federal Government has an obligation to provide
them and their immediate families, if necessary, with
protection as long as there is significant danger to their
lives.
Existing statutory authority is not adequate for this purpose.
Consequently, unless the Congress acts immediately, protec-
tive services necessary to ensure the continued safety of
the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and other Federal
officials cannot be provided after they leave office on
January 20.
2
The emergency resolution that I am proposing is a temporary
measure. It would allow the next President to extend pro-
tection, if the situation warrants, to one or more of the
persons having protection now who would otherwise abruptly
lose that protection next Thursday. The persons now having
protection, in addition to me and my immediate family (of
whom Betty and I, but not our children, will have continued
protection under existing law) are the Vice President and
the Secretaries of State and Treasury and their immediate
families, but it is likely that only a few of those persons
will require extended protection after next Thursday and
for merely limited periods as the next President may deter-
mine. In any event no such protection could go beyond
July 20, 1977 unless the Congress should act later to
permit protection over a longer period in particular
instances.
The adoption of this proposed resolution is endorsed by
the Secret Service, and I request that the Congress act
swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
The Honorable Thomas P. O'Neill
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
JOINT RESOLUTION
To authorize the United States Secret Service to
continue to furnish protection to certain
former Federal officials or members of their
immediate families.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That the United States Secret Service, in addition to
other duties now provided by law, is authorized to
furnish protection to a person who (a) as a Federal
Government official has been receiving protection by
the United States Secret Service for a period immediately
preceding January 20, 1977, or (b) as a member of such
official's immediate family has been receiving protection
by either the United States Secret Service or other
security personnel of the official's department immediately
preceding January 20, 1977, if the President determines
that such person may thereafter be in significant danger;
provided, however, that protection of any such person
shall continue only for such period as the President
determines and shall not continue beyond July 20, 1977,
unless otherwise permitted by law.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
FORD
January 13, 1977
LIBRARY
BREAKFAST MEETING WITH BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
Friday, January 14, 1977
8:00-9:30 A.M. (90 Minutes)
The First Floor Dining Room
From: Max L. Friedersdorf m.f.
I. PURPOSE
To bid farewell to the newly elected bipartisan
Congressional leadership of the 95th Congress, and
recommend passage of legislation to provide post-
inaugural Secret Service protection for certain
Administration officials.
II. BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS & PRESS PLAN
A. Background:
1. Both the House and Senate Republicans and
Democrats have elected their new officers for
the 95th Congress, and three of the top four
offices have changed, namely, the Speaker and
Senate Majority and Minority Leaders.
2. The President has received information from the
Secret Service that there may be personal danger
to Secretary Kissinger and the Vice President
following their departure from office on January 20,
1977 (See Tab A).
3. The President has proposed to the Congressional
jurisdictional Chairman and ranking members that
legislation be passed prior to January 20, authoriz-
ing the President to continue protection for the
endangered officials for a period up to six months
after January 20.
4. The leaders may also raise additional legislature
matters with the President, including the President's
intention on the pay raise matter and gas decontrol.
B. Participants: (See Tab B)
-2-
C.
Press Plan: Meeting to be announced by Press Office.
White House photos.
III. TALKING POINTS
1. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate
each of you upon your election to offices of leader-
ship in the Congress.
2. At the same time, I wish to extend my farewell prior
to my departure on January 20th.
3. I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve with all
of you in a position of responsibility. You have
my best wishes for success in the 95th Congress.
4. There is one piece of legislative business that I
would like to mention. This pertains to the matter
of Secret Service protection for certain departing
Members of this Administration now receiving protection
(See Tab C) .
FORD ; LIBRARY
PARTICIPANTS
The President
HOUSE
SENATE
Bob Michel
Howard Baker
John Anderson
Ted Stevens
Sam Devine
Bob Packwood
Del Clawson
Cliff Hansen
Bill Frenzel
Hubert Humphrey
Jim Quillen
Bob Byrd
Guy Vander Jagt
Alan Cranston
Tip O'Neill
Dan Inouye
Jim Wright
John Brademas
STAFF
Bob Hartmann
Jack Marsh
Dick Cheney
Brent Scowcroft
Phil Buchen
Max Friedersdorf
Jim Cannon
Jim Lynn
Alan Greenspan
REGRETS
The Vice President
Sen. Curtis
Sen. Tower
Sen. Eastland
Rep. Rhodes
Rep. Edwards
Rep. Foley
JOINT RESOLUTION
To authorize the United States Secret Service to
continue to furnish protection to certain former
Federal officials or members of their immediate
families.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That the United States Secret Service, in addition to
other duties now provided by law, is authorized to
furnish protection to a person who (a) as a Federal Government
official has been receiving protection by the United States
Secret Service for a period immediately preceding January 20,
1977, or (b) as a member of such official's immediate family
has been receiving protection by either the United States
Secret Service or other security personnel of the official's
department immediately preceding January 20, 1977, if the
President determines that such person may thereafter be in
significant danger; provided, however, that protection of any
such person shall continue only for such period as the
President determines and shall not continue beyond
July 20, 1977, unless otherwise permitted by law.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 1977
Office of the White House Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
January 14, 1977
TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE
PRESIDENT TO THE SPEAKER OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
Dear Mr. Speaker:
(Dear Mr. President:)
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress an
urgent Joint Resolution which would authorize the Secret
Service to furnish protection to a person who as a Federal
Government official or as a member of such official's
immediate family had been receiving protection for a period
immediately preceding January 20, 1977, If the President
determined that such person may thereafter be in signifi-
cant danger. This protection could not continue beyond
July 20, 1977, unless otherwise permitted by law.
The lives of the Vice President, the Secretary of State,
and other Federal officials have been threatened because
of their service to the United States and the American
people. The number of threats against prominent Federal
officials normally declines after they leave office. The
emergence in recent years of numerous and mobile foreign
terrorist groups has created an added degree of risk,
especially for the Vice President and the Secretary of
State; they are natural targets for individuals and groups
prone to violence. Threats against Secretary Kissinger's
life are current and continuing.
We cannot in good conscience subject any departing Vice
President, Secretary of State, or any other Federal offi-
cial to possible harm because of his or her service to
the United States. Because this danger results directly
from the high visibility of their positions, I believe
that the Federal Government has an obligation to provide
them and their immediate families, if necessary, with
protection as long as there is significant danger to their
lives.
Existing statutory authority is not adequate for this purpose.
Consequently, unless the Congress acts immediately, protec-
tive services necessary to ensure the continued safety of
the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and other Federal
officials cannot be provided after they leave office on
January 20.
The emergency resolution that I am proposing is a temporary
measure. It would allow the next President to extend pro-
tection, if the situation warrants, to one or more of the
persons having protection now who would otherwise abruptly
lose that protection next Thursday. The persons now having
protection, in addition to me and my immediate family (of
whom Betty and I, but not our children, will have continued
protection under existing law) are the Vice President and
the Secretaries of State and Treasury and their immediate
more
2
families, but it is likely that only a few of those persons
will require extended protection after next Thursday and
for merely limited periods as the next President may deter-
mine. In any event no such protection could go beyond
July 20, 1977 unless the Congress should act later to
permit protection over a longer period in particular
instances.
The adoption of this proposed resolution is endorsed by
the Secret Service, and I request that the Congress act
swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
GERALD R. FORD
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