House Oversight Committee Expresses No Confidence In DEA Administrator Leonhart

WASHINGTON— Today, after listening to testimony during yesterday’s House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on “DOJ IG: Handling of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Allegations,” Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD) joined with fellow committee Members in expressing no confidence in DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart.

“After over a decade of serving in top leadership positions at DEA, Administrator Leonhart has been woefully unable to change or positively influence the pervasive “good old boy” culture that exists throughout the agency. From her testimony, it is clear that she lacks the authority and will to make the tough decisions required to hold those accountable who compromise national security and bring disgrace to their position . Ms. Leonhart has lost the confidence of this Committee to initiate the necessary reforms to restore the reputation of a vital agency.”

Members joining the statement include: 

Rep. Amash (R-MI)

Rep. Boyle (D-PA)

Rep. Carter (R-GA)

Rep. Connolly (D-VA)

Rep. DeSaulnier (D-CA)

Rep. Duncan (R-TN)

Rep. Farenthold (R-TX)

Rep. Hice (R-GA)

Rep. Kelly (D-IL)

Rep. Lawrence (D-MI)

Rep. Lujan Grisham (D-NM)

Rep. Lynch (D-MA)

Rep. Maloney (D-NY)

Rep. Meadows (R-NC)

Rep. Mulvaney (R-SC)

Rep. Norton (D-D.C.)

Rep. Palmer (R-AL)

Rep. Plaskett (D-VI)

Rep. Walberg (D-MI)

Rep. Welch (D-VT)