Sex-neutral Secret Service standards

Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, Rep. Josh Brecheen from Oklahoma has introduced the 'Secret Service Readiness Act' aimed at implementing 'sex-neutral' fitness standards for Secret Service agents. This legislation seeks to hold all agents, regardless of gender, to the same physical evaluation criteria, a move that critics argue is a reaction to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies perceived to have weakened security. Brecheen emphasized the need for fully prepared agents, stating that the security breach allowing a shooter to get within 150 yards of Trump can never happen again. If passed, the Secret Service would have 90 days to establish these new standards and report back to Congress within 180 days. The proposal has garnered support from several Republican lawmakers, reflecting a broader push to revise agency policies post-incident. The bill is indicative of rising tensions surrounding DEI initiatives and their perceived impact on security effectiveness.