Chaffetz Statement on New Secret Service Director
WASHINGTON – Today, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) released the following statement after the U.S. Secret Service announced the appointment of a new director.
“I applaud the president’s decision to appoint a Secret Service Director from outside the agency. This decision is consistent with what this Committee and the Protective Mission Panel recommended years ago. While I commend this important step forward, there are still many systemic problems that continue to plague the agency, including a staffing crisis and increasingly demanding investigative mission.
“Appointing a director from the outside adds a necessary new perspective and fresh approach to their zero-fail mission. I look forward to working with General Alles in continuing to implement recommendations put forth in our bipartisan Committee report.”
Background:
In December 2015, the Committee released a bipartisan report concluding a year-long investigation in the Secret Service. The report included detailed recommendations for the agency to address major structural changes at the agency.
The Oversight Committee began investigating USSS in 2014 after a man jumped the White House fence. Shortly after the incident then-Director Pierson testified before the Committee where she provided inaccurate information to members. She resigned shortly thereafter.