The House voted Wednesday to establish a task force to investigate the security failures surrounding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on June 13.
The bipartisan vote highlights the outrage over the shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump narrowly escaped death. One person was killed and two others were severely injured. Lawmakers have swiftly responded with hearings and calls for accountability.
The bill passed with a vote of 416-0.
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“Protecting the safety and security of our nation’s leaders is a responsibility that transcends party lines,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said.
The task force will consist of 13 members, including seven Republicans and six Democrats. Its role is to identify the failures on the day of the assassination attempt and propose measures to prevent future security breaches. A final report is expected before Dec. 13, and the task force has the power to issue subpoenas.
The legislation is sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Kelly, whose hometown of Butler was where the shooting took place. Kelly, who was present at the rally with his family, emphasized the need for answers and accountability.
House committees have already conducted three hearings on the incident. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following intense scrutiny by lawmakers from both parties for the security lapses. Democrats also expressed support for the task force, condemning the attack in Butler as unacceptable.
“We must uncover the truth, prevent future incidents, and ensure the safety of our leaders,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.
