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Press Release Published: Apr 23, 2015

Chaffetz, Cummings Statement on New DHS IG Report Regarding USSS Protection of Former Presidents

WASHINGTON – House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD) issued the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General Management Advisory titled, “Alarm System Maintenance at Residences Protected by the U.S. Secret Service.”

“It is startling and unacceptable that under the Secret Service protection, an alarm at the residence of former President George H.W. Bush remained inoperable for more than a year. Although the Secret Service assigned employees to monitor the grounds, there is absolutely no room for error when it comes to protecting the nation’s Presidents.

“This adds to the growing list of significant concerns Congress has had with the management of the Secret Service. It is imperative that Director Clancy act swiftly on a host of fronts to restore the American people’s confidence in this agency. We are grateful for the diligent work of Inspector General Roth in bringing this issue to light. Director Clancy has assured the IG that the recommendations to resolve these problems will be implemented quickly, and we strongly urge him to maintain that commitment.”