[PghBaldy]

The thing is, the protection used to be for a lifetime. It was changed so that Bush will be the first to lose protection, IIRC, after 10 years.

[PghBaldy]

In 1965, Congress authorized the Secret Service (Public Law 89-186) to protect a former president and his/her spouse during their lifetime, unless they decline protection. In 1997, Congress enacted legislation (Public Law 103-329) that limits Secret Service protection for former presidents to 10 years after leaving office. Under this new law, individuals who are in office before January 1, 1997, will continue to receive Secret Service protection for their lifetime. Individuals elected to office after that time will receive protection for 10 years after leaving office. Therefore, President Clinton will be the last president to receive lifetime protection. http://www.secretservice.gov/faq.shtml#faq9