Former vice presidents may have more security

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jun 10, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vice President Dick Cheney would continue to be shielded by the Secret Service for at least six months after he leaves office under legislation the House passed Monday.

The measure, approved by voice after being endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee last month, writes into law a common practice of extending federal protections for the vice president and his family in the months immediately after his time in office ends.

Former presidents up through President Clinton could, if they so chose, receive Secret Service protection for the remainder of their lives. That changed with a congressional act, which went into effect in 1997, limiting protection for future ex-presidents and their families to 10 years, barring exceptions for specific threats.

The bill still needs Senate consideration.