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Secret Service Protection for Vice President and Secretary of State: December 1976 - January 1977 (2)
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6283038
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Secret Service Protection for Vice President and Secretary of State: December 1976 - January 1977 (2)
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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 (2)" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Digitized from Box 7 of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
January 6, 1977
MR PRESIDENT"
Protection of Former Vice Presidents
and other Federal Government
Officials
The attached memorandum prepared by Jim Lynn has
been approved by Jack Marsh and Ed Schmults.
Jim Connor
FORD LIBRARY 's GERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 6, 1977
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIM CONNOR
FROM:
ED SCHMULTS
SUBJECT:
Lynn Memo 1/6/77 re Protection of
Former Vice Presidents and
Presidential Appointees
-
With one change, I recommend the version at Tab A.
It seems to me that as long as we are proposing a
bill like this, we should give the President
maximum flexibility and so I would change the
reference to "any Presidential appointee" in the
second line, Section 2(a), to "any other federal
government official".
Corresponding changes
would be made elsewhere in the Act and the letter
of transmittal, etc. This change would permit the
President to provide protection to a Senator or
Representative in an emergency situation.
cc: Jack Marsh
Dan Kearney
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
Time:
January 6, 1977
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information):
Jack Marsh
Ed Schmults
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Quick Turnaround Please
Time:
SUBJECT:
Lynn memo 1/6/77 re Protection of Former
Vice Presidents and Presiden tial Appointees
and
Lynn Memo 1/6/77 re Protection of Former Vice
ACTION REQUESTED:
Presidents and other former Federal Government
officials
For Necessary Action
X
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
You previously reviewed a package on this subject.
OMB has now
prepared two versions of how the President could handle this matter.
Both of these versions are attached for your comments and recommendations.
The version at TAB A is the one recommended by OMB
GERALD FORD JERAN ,
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
Jim Connor
delay in submitting the required material, please
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
UNITED
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
SERVICE
STATES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
JAN 6 1977
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JAMES
SUBJECT:
Protection of Former Vice Presidents
and Presidential Appointees
Attached for your approval is a bill which would authorize the
President to direct that protection be provided for Vice
Presidents and Presidential appointees after they leave office.
This protection could be provided to former officials and their
families if the President determines their lives are in significant
danger as a result of the discharge of their official responsibilities
while in office. The Secret Service, the security force of the former
official's agency, or a contractor could provide the protection.
Transmittal letters to the Speaker and the Vice President are also
attached for your signature.
The proposed legislation carries out your decisions. It would allow
protection to be provided for Vice President Rockefeller, Secretary
Kissinger, and other designated officials and their families. 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
BRAR
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. President:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize
the President to direct that protection be provided for the Vice
President of the United States and Presidential appointees after
leaving office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 other Presidential appointee 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 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 Presidential appointees cannot
be provided after they leave office on January 20.
The legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and Presidential appointees. It would authorize the
President to direct the protection be provided for the Vice President
and other Presidential appointees for so long as the President
considers that they are in significant danger as a result of the
discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Protection could be
provided by the Secret Service, other Federal law enforcement
personnel, or private contractors. Finally, this legislation would
provide that such protection be reviewed and specifically reauthorized
by the President every six months until finally terminated.
I urge the Congress to act swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Nelson A. Rockefeller
President of the Senate
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
AN ACT
To authorize the protection of the Vice President and of Presidential
appointees after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the
"Special Protective Services Act of 1977."
Sec. 2 (a). The President may direct that protection be provided for the
person of any Vice President or any Presidential appointee. after their
period of service in the United States Government, if the President is
satisfied that such former official is in significant danger as a
consequence of the discharge of the official's responsibilities while
in office. The President may also extend such protection as he deems
to be necessary to members of the official's immediate family.
achlo
any
(b). The protection authorized by this Act shall be subject to
fedual
review by the President at the end of each six month period beginning
Government
with the date of the original authorization. If the President remains
official
satisfied that there is significant danger, protection may be continued.
Persons for whom protection has been authorized by the President may
decline such protection.
(c). The President may direct that protection be provided by:
(1) the Secretary of the Treasury through the Secret Service; or (2)
the head of the department or agency in which the official has served,
either by United States Government employees or by contract.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize the
President to direct that protection be provided for the Vice President
of the United States and Presidential appointees after leaving office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 other Presidential appointee 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 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 Presidential appointees cannot
be provided after they leave office on January 20.
The legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and Presidential appointees. It would authorize the
President to direct the protection be provided for the Vice President
and other Presidential appointees for so long as the President
considers that they are in significant danger as a result of the
discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Protection could be
provided by the Secret Service, other Federal law enforcement
personnel, or private contractors. Finally, this legislation would
provide that such protection be reviewed and specifically reauthorized
by the President every six months until finally terminated.
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
B
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
STATE SECURITY UNITED OFFICE OPTINE
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
JAN 6 1977
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JAMES T. LYNN
SUBJECT:
Protection of Former Vice Presidents
and other former Federal Government
officials
Attached for your approval is a bill which would authorize the
President to direct that Secret Service protection be provided
for current and future Vice Presidents, and other Federal officials
after they leave office. This protection could be provided to
former officials and their families if the President determines
their lives are in significant danger as a result of the discharge
of their official responsibilities while in office. Transmittal
letters to the Speaker and the Vice President are also attached
for your signature.
The proposed legislation carries out your decisions. It would
allow protection to be provided for Vice President Rockefeller,
Secretary Kissinger, and other former Federal officials designated
by the President, as well as their families. 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
Dear Mr. President:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize the
President to direct that the Secret Service provide protection for the
Vice President of the United States and any other Federal Government
official after they leave office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 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 legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and other Federal officials after they leave office.
It would authorize the President to direct Secret Service protection
for the Vice President and other Federal officials for so long as the
President considers that they are in significant danger as a result
of the discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Finally, this
legislation would provide that such protection be reviewed and
specifically reauthorized by the President every six months until
finally terminated.
I urge the Congress to act swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Nelson A. Rockefeller
President of the Senate
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
AN ACT
To authorize protection of the Vice President of the United
States and other government officials after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act
may be cited as the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977.
Sec. 2. Section 3056 of title 18, United States Code, is amended
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c) and inserting
the following new subsection:
'(b) (1) In addition to the persons listed in subsection (a),
the President is authorized to direct the Secretary of the Treasury
to provide protection by the United States Secret Service to the
person of the Vice President of the United States and any other
Federal Government officials after they leave office for so long as the
President is satisfied that there is significant danger to such
persons as a consequence of their discharge of responsibilities
while in office. The President may also extend such protection
as may be necessary to members of their immediate families.
(2) The protection authorized by this subsection shall
be subject to review by the President at the end of each six
month period beginning with the date of the original authorization.
If the President remains satisfied that there is significant danger,
protection may be continued. Persons for whom protection has been
authorized by the President may decline such protection.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize the
President to direct that the Secret Service provide protection for the
Vice President of the United States and any other Federal Government
official after they leave office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 with protection as long as there
is sigrificant 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 legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and other Federal officials after they leave office.
It would authorize the President to direct Secret Service protection
for the Vice President and other Federal officials for so long as the
President considers that they are in significant danger as a result
of the discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Finally, this
legislation would provide that such protection be reviewed and
specifically reauthorized by the President every six months until
finally terminated.
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
AN ACT
To authorize protection of the Vice President of the United
States and other government officials after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act
may be cited as the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977."
Sec. 2. Section 3056 of title 18, United States Code, is amended
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c) and inserting
the following new subsection:
"(b) (1) In addition to the persons listed in subsection (a),
the President is authorized to direct the Secretary of the Treasury
to provide protection by the United States Secret Service to the
person of the Vice President of the United States and any other
Federal Government officials after they leave office for so long as the
President is satisfied that there is significant danger to such
persons as a consequence of their discharge of responsibilities
while in office. The President may also extend such protection
as may be necessary to members of their immediate families.
(2) The protection authorized by this subsection shall
be subject to review by the President at the end of each six
month period beginning with the date of the original authorization.
If the President remains satisfied that there is significant danger,
protection may be continued. Persons for whom protection has been
authorized by the President may decline such protection.
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
Time:
January 6, 1977
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information):
Jack Marsh
Ed Schmults
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Quick Turnaround Please
Time:
SUBJECT:
Lynn memo 1/6/77 re Protection of Former
Vice Presidents and Presiden tial Appointees
and
Lynn Memo 1/6/77 re Protection of Former Vice
ACTION REQUESTED:
Presidents and other former Federal Government
officials
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
You previously reviewed a package on this subject.
OMB has now
prepared two versions of how the President could handle this matter.
Both of these versions are attached for your comments and recommendations.
The version at TAB A is the one recommended by OMB
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
Jim Connor
delay in submitting the required material, please
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
Time:
January 6, 1977
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information):
Jack Marsh
Ed Schmults
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Quick Turnarqund Please
Time:
SUBJECT:
Lynn memo 1/6/77 re Protection of Former
FOR LIBRARY 478539
Vice Presidents and Presiden tial Appointees
and
Lynn Memo 1/6/77 re Protection of Former Vice
ACTION REQUESTED:
Presidents and other former Federal Government
officials
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
You previously reviewed a package on this subject. OMB has now
prepared two versions of how the President could handle this matter.
Both of these versions are attached for your comments and recommendations.
The version at TAN A is the one recommended by OMB
Schroults see memo
marsh- agrees with
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
Jim Connor
delay in submitting the required material, please
For the President
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
files
THE
RESIDENT
OF The
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE
UNITED
OFFICE OF management AND BUDGET
CHINAS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
January 6, 1977
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JAMES T. LYNN Ohein
SUBJECT:
Protection of Former Vice Presidents
and other Federal Officials
Attached for your approval is a bill which would authorize the
President to direct that protection be provided for Vice
Presidents and other Federal Government officials after they
leave office. This protection could be provided to former
officials and their families if the President determines their
lives are in significant danger as a result of the discharge of
their official responsibilities while in office. The Secret
Service, the security force of the former official's agency,
or a contractor could provide the protection. Transmittal
letters to the Speaker and the Vice President are also attached
for your signature.
The proposed legislation carries out your decisions. It would
allow protection to be provided for Vice President Rockefeller,
Secretary Kissinger, and other designated officials and their
families. 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
STATE
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
A
OFFICE
UNITED
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
THE
STATES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
JAN 6 1977
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JAMES J.LYNN T. LYNN
SUBJECT:
Protection of Former Vice Presidents
and Presidential Appointees
Attached for your approval is a bill which would authorize the
President to direct that protection be provided for Vice
Presidents and Presidential appointees after they leave office.
This protection could be provided to former officials and their
families if the President determines their lives are in significant
danger as a result of the discharge of their official responsibilities
while in office. The Secret Service, the security force of the former
official's agency, or a contractor could provide the protection.
Transmittal letters to the Speaker and the Vice President are also
attached for your signature.
The proposed legislation carries out your decisions. It would allow
protection to be provided for Vice President Rockefeller, Secretary
Kissinger, and other designated officials and their families. 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
GERALD FORD LIBRAKY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
GERALE FORD LIBRARY
Dear Mr. President:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize
the President to direct that protection be provided for the Vice
President of the United States and Presidential appointees after
leaving office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 other Presidential appointee 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 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 Presidential appointees cannot
be provided after they leave office on January 20.
The legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and Presidential appointees. It would authorize the
President to direct the protection be provided for the Vice President
and other Presidential appointees for so long as the President
considers that they are in significant danger as a result of the
discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Protection could be
provided by the Secret Service, other Federal law enforcement
personnel, or private contractors. Finally, this legislation would
provide that such protection be reviewed and specifically reauthorized
by the President every six months until finally terminated.
I urge the Congress to act swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Nelson A. Rockefeller
President of the Senate
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
AN ACT
To authorize the protection of the Vice President and of Presidential
appointees after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the
"Special Protective Services Act of 1977.'
Sec. 2 (a). The President may direct that protection be provided for the
person of any Vice President or any Presidential appointee after their
period of service in the United States Government, if the President is
satisfied that such former official is in significant danger as a
consequence of the discharge of the official's responsibilities while
in office. The President may also extend such protection as he deems
to be necessary to members of the official's immediate family.
(b). The protection authorized by this Act shall be subject to
review by the President at the end of each six month period beginning
with the date of the original authorization. If the President remains
satisfied that there is significant danger, protection may be continued.
Persons for whom protection has been authorized by the President may
decline such protection.
(c). The President may direct that protection be provided by:
(1) the Secretary of the Treasury through the Secret Service; or (2)
the head of the department or agency in which the official has served,
either by United States Government employees or by contract.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize the
President to direct that protection be provided for the Vice President
of the United States and Presidential appointees after leaving office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 other Presidential appointee 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 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 Presidential appointees cannot
be provided after they leave office on January 20.
The legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and Presidential appointees. It would authorize the
President to direct the protection be provided for the Vice President
and other Presidential appointees for so long as the President
considers that they are in significant danger as a result of the
discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Protection could be
provided by the Secret Service, other Federal law enforcement
personnel, or private contractors. Finally, this legislation would
provide that such protection be reviewed and specifically reauthorized
by the President every six months until finally terminated.
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
AN ACT
To authorize the protection of the Vice President and of Presidential
appointees after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the
"Special Protective Services Act of 1977."
Sec. 2 (a). The President may direct that protection be provided for the
person of any Vice President or any Presidential appointee after their
period of service in the United States Government, if the President is
satisfied that such former official is in significant danger as a
consequence of the discharge of the official's responsibilities while
in office. The President may also extend such protection as he deems
to be necessary to members of the official's immediate family.
(b). The protection authorized by this Act shall be subject to
review by the President at the end of each six month period beginning
with the date of the original authorization. If the President remains
satisfied that there is significant danger, protection may be continued.
Persons for whom protection has been authorized by the President may
decline such protection.
(c). The President may direct that protection be provided by:
(1) the Secretary of the Treasury through the Secret Service; or (2)
the head of the department or agency in which the official has served,
either by United States Government employees or by contract.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. President:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize
the President to direct that protection be provided for the Vice
President of the United States and Presidential appointees after
leaving office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 other Presidential appointee 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 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 Presidential appointees cannot
be provided after they leave office on January 20.
The legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and Presidential appointees. It would authorize the
President to direct the protection be provided for the Vice President
and other Presidential appointees for so long as the President
considers that they are in significant danger as a result of the
discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Protection could be
provided by the Secret Service, other Federal law enforcement
personnel, or private contractors. Finally, this legislation would
provide that such protection be reviewed and specifically reauthorized
by the President every six months until finally terminated.
I urge the Congress to act swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Nelson A. Rockefeller
President of the Senate
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
FORDO & LIBRARY 076870
AN ACT
To authorize the protection of the Vice President and of Presidential
appointees after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the
"Special Protective Services Act of 1977."
Sec. 2 (a). The President may direct that protection be provided for the
person of any Vice President or any Presidential appointee after their
period of service in the United States Government, if the President is
satisfied that such former official is in significant danger as a
consequence of the discharge of the official's responsibilities while
in office. The President may also extend such protection as he deems
to be necessary to members of the official's immediate family.
(b). The protection authorized by this Act shall be subject to
review by the President at the end of each six month period beginning
with the date of the original authorization. If the President remains
satisfied that there is significant danger, protection may be continued.
Persons for whom protection has been authorized by the President may
decline such protection.
(c). The President may direct that protection be provided by:
(1) the Secretary of the Treasury through the Secret Service; or (2)
the head of the department or agency in which the official has served,
either by United States Government employees or by contract.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize the
President to direct that protection be provided for the Vice President
of the United States and Presidential appointees after leaving office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 other Presidential appointee 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 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 Presidential appointees cannot
be provided after they leave office on January 20.
The legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and Presidential appointees. It would authorize the
President to direct the protection be provided for the Vice President
and other Presidential appointees for so long as the President
considers that they are in significant danger as a result of the
discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Protection could be
provided by the Secret Service, other Federal law enforcement
personnel, or private contractors. Finally, this legislation would
provide that such protection be reviewed and specifically reauthorized
by the President every six months until finally terminated.
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
AN ACT
To authorize the protection of the Vice President and of Presidential
appointees after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the
'Special Protective Services Act of 1977."
Sec. 2 (a). The President may direct that protection be provided for the
person of any Vice President or any Presidential appointee after their
period of service in the United States Government, if the President is
satisfied that such former official is in significant danger as a
consequence of the discharge of the official's responsibilities while
in office. The President may also extend such protection as he deems
to be necessary to members of the official's immediate family.
(b). The protection authorized by this Act shall be subject to
review by the President at the end of each six month period beginning
with the date of the original authorization. If the President remains
satisfied that there is significant danger, protection may be continued.
Persons for whom protection has been authorized by the President may
decline such protection.
(c). The President may direct that protection be provided by:
(1) the Secretary of the Treasury through the Secret Service; or (2)
the head of the department or agency in which the official has served,
either by United States Government employees or by contract.
OFFICE
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
BESUTIVE
UNITED
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
JAN 6 1977
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JAMES T. L/NN
SUBJECT:
Protection of Former Vice Presidents
and other former Federal Government
officials
Attached for your approval is a bill which would authorize the
President to direct that Secret Service protection be provided
for current and future Vice Presidents, and other Federal officials
after they leave office. This protection could be provided to
former officials and their families if the President determines
their lives are in significant danger as a result of the discharge
of their official responsibilities while in office. Transmittal
letters to the Speaker and the Vice President are also attached
for your signature.
The proposed legislation carries out your decisions. It would
allow protection to be provided for Vice President Rockefeller,
Secretary Kissinger, and other former Federal officials designated
by the President, as well as their families. 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
Dear Mr. President:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize the
President to direct that the Secret Service provide protection for the
Vice President of the United States and any other Federal Government
official after they leave office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 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 legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and other Federal officials after they leave office.
It would authorize the President to direct Secret Service protection
for the Vice President and other Federal officials for so long as the
President considers that they are in significant danger as a result
of the discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Finally, this
legislation would provide that such protection be reviewed and
specifically reauthorized by the President every six months until
finally terminated.
I urge the Congress to act swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Nelson A. Rockefeller
President of the Senate
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
AN ACT
To authorize protection of the Vice President of the United
States and other government officials after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act
may be cited as the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977."
Sec. 2. Section 3056 of title 18, United States Code, is amended
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c) and inserting
the following new subsection:
(b) (1) In addition to the persons listed in subsection (a),
the President is authorized to direct the Secretary of the Treasury
to provide protection by the United States Secret Service to the
person of the Vice President of the United States and any other
Federal Government officials after they leave office for so long as the
President is satisfied that there is significant danger to such
persons as a consequence of their discharge of responsibilities
while in office. The President may also extend such protection
as may be necessary to members of their immediate families.
(2) The protection authorized by this subsection shall
be subject to review by the President at the end of each six
month period beginning with the date of the original authorization.
If the President remains satisfied that there is significant danger,
protection may be continued. Persons for whom protection has been
authorized by the President may decline such protection.
GERATO FORD LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize the
President to direct that the Secret Service provide protection for the
Vice President of the United States and any other Federal Government
official after they leave office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 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 legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and other Federal officials after they leave office.
It would authorize the President to direct Secret Service protection
for the Vice President and other Federal officials for so long as the
President considers that they are in significant danger as a result
of the discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Finally, this
legislation would provide that such protection be reviewed and
specifically reauthorized by the President every six months until
finally terminated.
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
LIBRARY
AN ACT
To authorize protection of the Vice President of the United
States and other government officials after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act
may be cited as the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977."
Sec. 2. Section 3056 of title 18, United States Code, is amended
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c) and inserting
the following new subsection:
"(b) (1) In addition to the persons listed in subsection (a),
the President is authorized to direct the Secretary of the Treasury
to provide protection by the United States Secret Service to the
person of the Vice President of the United States and any other
Federal Government officials after they leave office for so long as the
President is satisfied that there is significant danger to such
persons as a consequence of their discharge of responsibilities
while in office. The President may also extend such protection
as may be necessary to members of their immediate families.
(2) The protection authorized by this subsection shall
be subject to review by the President at the end of each six
month period beginning with the date of the original authorization.
If the President remains satisfied that there is significant danger,
protection may be continued. Persons for whom protection has been
authorized by the President may decline such protection.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. President:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize the
President to direct that the Secret Service provide protection for the
Vice President of the United States and any other Federal Government
official after they leave office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 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 legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and other Federal officials after they leave office.
It would authorize the President to direct Secret Service protection
for the Vice President and other Federal officials for so long as the
President considers that they are in significant danger as a result
of the discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Finally, this
legislation would provide that such protection be reviewed and
specifically reauthorized by the President every six months until
finally terminated.
I urge the Congress to act swiftly on this proposal.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Nelson A. Rockefeller
President of the Senate
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
AN ACT
To authorize protection of the Vice President of the United
States and other government officials after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act
may be cited as the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977."
Sec. 2. Section 3056 of title 18, United States Code, is amended
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c) and inserting
the following new subsection:
"(b) (1) In addition to the persons listed in subsection (a),
the President is authorized to direct the Secretary of the Treasury
to provide protection by the United States Secret Service to the
person of the Vice President of the United States and any other
Federal Government officials after they leave office for so long as the
President is satisfied that there is significant danger to such
persons as a consequence of their discharge of responsibilities
while in office. The President may also extend such protection
as may be necessary to members of their immediate families.
(2) The protection authorized by this subsection shall
be subject to review by the President at the end of each six
month period beginning with the date of the original authorization.
If the President remains satisfied that there is significant danger,
protection may be continued. Persons for whom protection has been
authorized by the President may decline such protection.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
LIBRARY
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I am transmitting for consideration by the Congress urgent legislation,
the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977," which would authorize the
President to direct that the Secret Service provide protection for the
Vice President of the United States and any other Federal Government
official after they leave office.
The lives of the Vice President and the Secretary of State 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,
however, 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 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 legislation I am proposing would cover both present and future
Vice Presidents and other Federal officials after they leave office.
It would authorize the President to direct Secret Service protection
for the Vice President and other Federal officials for so long as the
President considers that they are in significant danger as a result
of the discharge of their responsibilities while in office. Similar
2
protection could be extended to their families. Finally, this
legislation would provide that such protection be reviewed and
specifically reauthorized by the President every six months until
finally terminated.
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
AN ACT
To authorize protection of the Vice President of the United
States and other government officials after they leave office.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act
may be cited as the "Special Protective Services Act of 1977."
Sec. 2. Section 3056 of title 18, United States Code, is amended
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c) and inserting
the following new subsection:
"(b) (1) In addition to the persons listed in subsection (a),
the President is authorized to direct the Secretary of the Treasury
to provide protection by the United States Secret Service to the
person of the Vice President of the United States and any other
Federal Government officials after they leave office for so long as the
President is satisfied that there is significant danger to such
persons as a consequence of their discharge of responsibilities
while in office. The President may also extend such protection
as may be necessary to members of their immediate families.
(2) The protection authorized by this subsection shall
be subject to review by the President at the end of each six
month period beginning with the date of the original authorization.
If the President remains satisfied that there is significant danger,
protection may be continued. Persons for whom protection has been
authorized by the President may decline such protection.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Marsh, Freedersdork
+ Juresdection
committee
meeting his on
1/11 at 4PM
Jack package March has
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
letter TO OMB OMB
at 4PM
1