Thursday's hearing will focus on the breakdown in security arrangements on the evening of Tuesday, November 24, deficiencies in security planning leading up to the State Dinner, actions taken to correct the vulnerabilities and identify any violations of Secret Service policy or management failures at the agency.
The Committee plans to invite testimony from Mr. and Mrs. Salahi, who managed to attend portions of the State Dinner without proper White House and Secret Service clearance, and Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan.
"The intent of this Administration may be openness and transparency, but a security breakdown that allowed anyone who looked the part to walk off the street into a State Dinner is a slap in the face to the Secret Service employees who put their lives on the line to protect our form of government and its leaders," said Chairman Thompson.
For more than two years, Chairman Thompson and the Committee on Homeland Security has investigated and reviewed accusations of mismanagement at the Secret Service including concerns of inadequate resources at the agency.
There has been no recent word from Michaele and Tareq Salahi other than the fact that they have canceled their appearance on Larry King Live and are looking for a large payment for an interview. The hearing they will attend with the House Committee on Homeland Security is not a paid appearance or a reality television show and hopefully they know that -- as well as the gravity of the situation.
Written by Cheryl Phillips
HULIQ.com
Posted December 1st, 2009 by Cheryl Phillips
