Goodlatte Presses Secret Service for Answers on Privacy Act Violation
“Dear Director Clancy:
“I am deeply concerned with the findings in the recent report by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General on the inappropriate access and dissemination of Representative Jason Chaffetz’s personal information. The report confirms that earlier this year a high-ranking Secret Service official encouraged the dissemination of personal information of Representative Jason Chaffetz and over 40 Secret Service agents improperly accessed and disseminated this information, in violation of federal law.
“No one, whether a Member of Congress or a private citizen, should have private information violated in this manner. This incident is precisely why Americans do not trust the federal government with their personal information.
“More importantly, it is deeply troubling that a leader at the United States Secret Service thought it appropriate to try to leak this information to the press. It is shameful that a person in such a position of trust would engage in this sort of activity in an attempt to smear the reputation of a Member of Congress and to discredit the oversight work he was performing on behalf of the Congress and the American people in an effort to clean up endemic problems within the agency.
“This incident also raises important questions about who has access to the Secret Service database containing sensitive information, and what controls are in place to prevent and identify such abuses. In addition, this incident highlights significant concerns about how information related to important incidents, including time-sensitive disciplinary matters, move up the chain of command. I am concerned at the length of time it took for you to find out about this matter, and the repeated inaction by those in leadership positions in the agency when this matter was brought to their attention. I respectfully request a meeting with you to discuss these issues and your actions to address them, as soon as possible.
“As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over the Secret Service, I am committed to continuing the committee’s oversight of the Secret Service in an effort to improve its operations and ensure accountability at all levels of the agency. Please provide to me as quickly as possible, but no later than COB October 7th, a detailed description of your efforts to hold these Secret Service personnel accountable and ensure this type of incident never happens again.”