Lawmakers caution Secret Service problems go beyond director

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill welcomed the resignation of Secret Service Director Julia Pierson on Wednesday after revelations this week about a series of White House security breaches.

Many lawmakers cautioned, however, that a change in leadership alone would not solve problems in the agency that preceded Pierson’s tenure.

{mosads}”Unfortunately the problems that have plagued the Secret Service are longstanding and go beyond one individual,” Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said in a statement.

Chaffetz was one of the first to call for Pierson’s resignation. He reiterated his support for a “an independent and comprehensive review of the Secret Service.”

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has appointed Joseph Clancy as acting Secret Service director; Clancy previously led the Secret Service’s Presidential Protective Division.

Johnson announced an independent panel would review the Sept. 19 White House breach, when a man allegedly jumped the White House fence and entered the residence through the front door. The panel, whose members have not been named, will give its recommendations by Dec. 15.

The Secret Service’s own internal review will be completed by Nov. 1.

“Problems at the Secret Service pre-date Ms. Pierson’s tenure as director, and her resignation certainly does not resolve them,” Chairman of the House Oversight Committee Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said in a statement.

Pierson’s testimony before Issa’s committee on Tuesday did little to relieve concerns about the president’s security.

Issa added: “The Oversight Committee will continue to examine clear and serious agency failures at the Secret Service that have been exposed. While serious questions surround the Secret Service, Director Pierson served her country with honor and has my gratitude for her efforts.”

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), the ranking Democrat on the committee, spoke with Pierson earlier in the day, and expressed his concern with her leadership. He welcomed the independent review announced Wednesday.

“I absolutely respect her decision, and now we have to ensure that we focus on the difficult work of fully restoring the Secret Service to its rightful status as the most elite protective service in the world,” he said. “I am pleased that Secretary Johnson has agreed with our suggestion to establish an independent panel of outside experts to begin to review these issues, which is a critical step.”

A number of other lawmakers took to Twiiter to react to the news.

Secret Service Director Julia Pierson’s resignation is welcome, but the problems at the agency must still be addressed and swiftly fixed.

— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) October 1, 2014

Secret Service needs more than just an executive revolving door. They need a cultural change. These recent incidents are disturbing.

— David Scott (@repdavidscott) October 1, 2014

Director Pierson did the right thing just now. Here’s hoping her resignation is the start of major change at the #SecretService.

— Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) October 1, 2014

Secret Service Director needed to resign because of numerous failures on her watch. Protecting our Pres and his family is critical

— Rep. Andy Harris, MD (@RepAndyHarrisMD) October 1, 2014