Roybal-Allard statement at hearing on Secret Service budget request

March 15, 2016
Press Release

“Director Clancy, welcome to this morning’s hearing.

 

“I know the past few years have been challenging for the Secret Service, but I am very hopeful that you have now turned a corner on putting the agency back on the right track.

 

“Beyond incidents that brought negative attention to the agency, the Secret Service faced a significant operational challenge last September, when it provided protection for the pope’s visit and the United Nations General Assembly, while also preparing for the beginning of the presidential nomination and transition process.  By all accounts, the Secret Service performed admirably, and I congratulate you, your senior staff, and all the men and women of the Secret Service on a job well done.  And I understand that a number of TSA and ICE personnel also pitched in to support the effort, so this was truly a DHS unity of effort initiative.

 

“Other tests will be the nuclear summit coming up at the end of March, the ongoing presidential nomination contests, and the presidential transition next January. 

 

“Earlier this year, you began providing protection for three presidential candidates, in addition to protection already being provided to Hillary Clinton as a former first lady.  By the summer, you will be protecting the nominated candidates, and shortly after that, standing up President Obama’s post-presidency protective detail.

 

“Since the Protective Mission Panel issued its report, the Secret Service has made a number of productive changes, including improvements to the hiring process for both officers and agents, but, as we’ve discussed, officer attrition continues to be a real problem.

 

“Thank you for joining us this morning.  I look forward to hearing from you about the progress you see at the agency, areas you hope to address during the last year of the administration, and how the FY17 budget request will help the Secret Service continue moving in the right direction.”

114th Congress