H.R. 2780 is expected to be considered on the floor of the House on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, under a motion to suspend the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL) on June 9, 2009. The House Committee on the Judiciary took no official action on H.R. 2780.
H.R. 2780 would amend the federal criminal code to revise the prohibition against entering restricted federal buildings or grounds. The bill defines "restricted buildings or grounds" as a posted, cordoned off, or otherwise restricted area of a building or grounds where the President or other person protected by the Secret Service is or will be temporarily visiting; or so restricted due to an special event of national significance.
H.R. 2780 neither creates any new authorities for the Secret Service, nor imposes new restrictions on the liberties of American citizens. H.R. 2780 clarifies and improves the already existing criminal statutes that are necessary for the Secret Service to resolve security issues and implement prevention strategies before tragedy strikes.
The bill clarifies section 1752 of title 18, which prescribes penalties for knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without any lawful authority to do so. As currently written, the code does not distinguish between those who are their lawfully, such as Secret Service Agents and other authorized staff, and those who are there without permission.
The Congressional Budget Office has not produced a cost estimate for H.R. 2780 as of press time.
