WASHINGTON, D.C.–A new Secret Service head was announced in Washington, D.C. this week, in charge of protecting the president and top government officials. Joseph Clancy, formerly in charge of protecting the president fro the agency, retired in 2011 and went to work for Comcast, becoming the head of corporate security. Mississippi’s Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-2nd District) said Wednesday that he believes Clancy could move the agency forward, barring a few problems.
Thompson is the Ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Homeland Security, which is the agency responsible for national security issues.
“I am cautiously optimistic that Mr. Clancy can be the change agent that the Secret Service needs to address its woes,” said Thompson. “I believe, and am hopeful that the administration understands, that we need to move the Secret Service forward into anew era and drive change in the organization.”
One of the main problems with the agency has been a perceived laxity in discipline, which may have resulted in several security breeches, including several fence jumper incidents at the White House.
Thompson commended Clancy on his appointment and said he looks forward to discussing the agency’s future with him, but the Congressman had a sharp tone when it came to the Homeland Security funding issue, which has still not been resolved.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Clancy steps into this difficult role at a time when Republicans are needlessly holding up DHS funding when it is clear the agency already faces a resource gap.”
