U.S. Secret Service Allegedly Released Information on Congressional Leader

This week, allegations surfaced that the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) had leaked sensitive information on Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) just as the Congressman had been investigating the agency.  An Inspector General’s report found that senior USSS officials released information on the head of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, including his unsuccessful application to join the organization.  According to the report, between March 24 and April 2 of this year, 45 Secret Service employees accessed “sensitive personal information” on Rep. Chaffetz approximately 60 times, while only a handful had any legitimate reason to do so.

USSS Director Joseph Clancy issued an apology for “this wholly avoidable and embarrassing misconduct,” vowing to continue reviewing the agency’s policies and practices in response, while U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson pledged that those responsible for any inappropriate conduct would be held accountable.

This Week’s Hearings:

• Wednesday, October 7:  The Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee will hold a business meeting to consider draft legislation.

• Wednesday, October 7:  The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing titled “The Syrian Refugee Crisis and its Impact on the Security of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.”

• Thursday, October 8:  The Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee will hold a hearing titled “Threats to the Homeland.”

• Thursday, October 8:  The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a meeting to consider draft legislation.

Senior Administration Officials to Testify on “Threats to the Homeland”

This week, senior Administration officials will appear before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to discuss “Threats to the Homeland.” DHS Secretary Johnson, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, Jr., and National Counterterrorism Center Director Nicholas Rasmussen will likely testify on the potential threats posed by terrorist organizations.