Rep Adam Schiff plans to introduce a new amendment to the upcoming appropriations bill that pretty much states the US Secret Service ain’t paying a dime to any Trump owned business in the 2018 budget for lodging, food, or golf cart fees – PB/TK
New amendment from Rep. Adam Schiff would block Secret Service from paying Trump businesses – By Jessica Estepa(usatoday.com) / Aug 30 2017
If Rep. Adam Schiff has his way, the Secret Service wouldn’t be able to pay any businesses owned or operated by President Trump.
The California Democrat announced Wednesday his plans to introduce an amendment to an appropriations bill meant to fund the government for fiscal 2018.
The amendment reads: “None of the funds made available by this Act to the United States Secret Service may be used to purchase, rent, or otherwise acquire goods or services, including hotel rooms, office space, or golf carts, from entities that are owned or operated by the President or the immediate family of the President.”
The creation of the amendment, which would apply specifically to the next fiscal year, comes after USA TODAY reported that Trump’s frequent travels — usually to his own properties — and his large family have put a financial strain on the Secret Service. More than 1,000 of its agents have already hit their salary and overtime caps for the year.
“The immense honor and responsibility of serving as president of the United States should never be exploited for profit or personal gain,” Schiff said. “That the Trump Organization is profiting off the Secret Service is an abuse of taxpayer money and an improper method of enrichment.”
There are a couple hurdles for the amendment, of course. The House Rules Committee can discard any amendments it believes are out of order.
Additionally, the Secret Service is not allowed to accept any funding or resources that Congress hasn’t appropriated. According to former Secret Service director, W. Ralph Basham, these regulations guard the agency from any possible compromise of its protective mission.
While Trump can’t pay for his own Secret Service protection, the president’s immediate family is allowed, under the law, to decline Secret Service protection or find other options.
The Secret Service always has advised against declining protection.
Continue to usatoday.com article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/08/30/new-amendment-rep-adam-schiff-would-block-secret-service-paying-trump-businesses/616576001/
