Friday, April 20, 2012

VOA News: USA: Secret Service Scandal Continues to Shake Washington

VOA News: USA
USA Voice of America
Secret Service Scandal Continues to Shake Washington
Apr 21st 2012, 02:08

A week into a scandal involving U.S. Secret Service agents - who allegedly brought prostitutes to their hotel in Colombia ahead of President Barack Obama's arrival for a summit - reverberations continue in Washington. Several agents have been forced out of their jobs. Congress plans extensive hearings into a scandal that has tarnished the agency and embarrassed the White House.

As photos surfaced of one of the Colombian women allegedly involved, other details also have emerged - including the identities of two agents ousted so far from the agency.

David Chaney and Greg Stokes - both supervisors - are among the agents leaving. The agency has expanded its investigation to determine exactly how many personnel may have been involved.  
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At least 11 members of the U.S. military also are believed to have been involved - the military is conducting its own investigation.

In his only remarks so far, the president said he had respect for the Secret Service, but awaits the results of investigations.

"I'll wait until the full investigation is completed before I pass final judgment," said Obama.

The White House is defending the Secret Service director who faces increasing pressure from the U.S. Congress.  

Press Secretary Jay Carney angrily rejected suggestions by prominent Republicans that the Secret Service scandal - along with other recent controversies - reflect a failure of leadership by the president.

"It is preposterous to politicize the Secret Service, to politicize the behavior of, the terrible conduct of some soldiers in Afghanistan in a war that has been going on for 10 years."

There is anger over the scandal on both sides of the political aisle.

"It's so, what would be the word, disgusting, disconcerting, and every D-word you can think of," said House of Representatives Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi.

House and Senate committee hearings next week will ensure that the Secret Service scandal remains prominently in the headlines.



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