Chaffetz, Cummings Statement on Retirement of DEA Administrator

WASHINGTON – In response to DEA Administrator Leonhart’s retirement, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD) issued the following statement.

“In light of the DOJ Inspector General’s report and the testimony we heard before our committee, Ms. Leonhart’s retirement is appropriate. With the opportunity now for fresh leadership, we are hopeful that the DEA can restore itself to an agency of distinction and excellence. The IG’s report exposed the bad behavior that was allowed to fester for more than a decade, and our Committee’s hearing shined a spotlight on the lack of accountability for these abuses. This process is strong evidence of how proper and bipartisan oversight can lead to a better functioning government for the citizens it serves.”

Last week, the Oversight Committee conducted a hearing examining the handling of sexual misconduct at the DEA and other federal law enforcement agencies. Click here for highlights from that hearing.

Following the hearing, Chaffetz and Cummings joined with several committee Members in releasing a bipartisan statement of no confidence in Leonhart. View that statement here.