Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2010

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the United States Secret Service began providing protective

services following the assassination of President McKinley in 1901. The Service's protection responsibilities have since expanded to include the First Family, the Vice President, former Presidents, heads of state, and others. This Service also provides protection at special events of national significance.

To address this vital responsibility, the Secret Service must anticipate, recognize, and assess threat situations and initiate strategies to eliminate and reduce threats or security vulnerabilities.

Key components to the Service's protection mission is securing the buildings and grounds where protectees work or visit. From the White House to a hotel ballroom, the Secret Service must provide a secure environment for the President and other protectees.

H.R. 2780 ensures that the Secret Service has the ability to secure all necessary areas surrounding the restricted buildings and grounds that house our leaders, their families, and foreign heads of state.

The bill clarifies section 1752 of title 18, which sets penalties for knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without the lawful authority to do so. Currently written, the code does not distinguish between those who are there lawfully, such as Secret Service agents and other authorized staff, and those who are there without permission.

This bill does not create any new authorities for the Secret Service and does not restrict the liberties of American citizens. H.R. 2780 simply clarifies and improves existing criminal statutes that are necessary for the Secret Service to resolve security issues and implement prevention strategies before tragedy strikes.

There have been enough climbing incidents at the White House fence for at least one Web site to dedicate itself to chronicling the escapades of ``White House fence jumpers.'' While some of these individuals are attempting a collegiate prank, other such breaches could be catastrophic.

This bill will enable the United States Secret Service to continue to deliver the highest level of protective services, consistent with their proud tradition. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2780) to correct and simplify the drafting of section 1752 (relating to restricted buildings or grounds) of title 18, United States Code, as amended.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 2780 will assist the Secret Service to perform their protective duties.

Current Federal law prohibits individuals from entering or remaining in areas cordoned off as restricted because of protection being provided by the Secret Service. This bill would simply clarify that the prohibition under the existing statute only applies to those who do not have lawful authority to be in those areas.

The men and women of the Secret Service conduct themselves with valor and professionalism while carrying out the protective function of their agency. They provide protection for a variety of people and events, including the President of the United States and national special security events. This bill will assist the men and women of the Secret Service in doing their jobs.

I commend my colleague from Florida (Mr. Rooney) for his work on this bill, which eliminates the ambiguity in the present law. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 50 minutes p.m.), the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at 10 a.m.