Top House Republicans on Thursday introduced legislation to clean up the Secret Service after a string of embarrassing scandals and security lapses, most recently involving two allegedly drunk agents driving into a barrier near the White House.
The bill by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte would implement some recommendations of a review panel, including measures to improve transparency and accountability at the Secret Service.
It also seeks to strengthen the security of the president and others protected by the Secret Service, bolster security at the White House complex and enhances Secret Service agents’ training, according to the lawmakers.
“As recent incidents have proven, the Secret Service has much work to do to restore the credibility of the agency and regain the trust of the American people,” said Mr. McCaul, Texas Republican. “It is time for Congress to direct specific mandates to fix the Secret Service and we can begin by implementing some of the important recommendations made by DHS’s Secret Service review panel.”
The Secret Service has been awash in scandal since 2011, including shots fired at the White House without agents knowing, a team of agents caught frolicking with prostitutes while on assignment protecting President Obama on a trip to Columbia in 2012, and a man in September jumping the White House fence and managing to run into the White House.
“This legislation will help to ensure the agency has the best possible leadership structure, internal policies, tools, and resources to meet its mission. I look forward to continuing to work with the other relevant committees to restore the Secret Service as my committee moves forward with our DHS reauthorization process,” Mr. McCaul said.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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