In 1962, Congress authorized the Secret Service (Public Law 89-186) to protect a former president and his or her spouse during their lifetime, unless they decline protection.

In 1997, Congress enacted legislation that limits Secret Service protection for former presidents to ten years after leaving office.

Under this new law, individuals who were in office before January 1, 1997 will continue to receive Secret Service protection for their lifetime.

Individuals entering office after that time will receive protection for ten years after leaving office.

Therefore, former President Bill Clinton will be the last president to receive lifetime protection, and President George W. Bush will be the first to receive protection for only ten years.