Law Would Extend Albright’s Protection

Security protection for Secretary of State Madeleine Albright would be extended for up to six months after she leaves office under legislation pending in Congress. David Carpenter, former head of President Clinton’s Secret Service detail who is now in charge of diplomatic security at the State Department, initiated the idea early this year. It was included in Clinton’s appropriation request for the Commerce, Justice and State departments. “At the time, we knew we had threats against her, and we didn’t think they would dissipate right after she left office,” Carpenter said in an interview. Former presidents, their spouses and minor children are protected for 10 years, former vice presidents for 180 days, the same time frame sought for Albright’s security detail.