WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins today released this statement following the release of a report by the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General, which has been investigating the culture at the Secret Service following the actions of a number of Secret Service personnel in Cartagena, Colombia in April 2012.
"While it is important to note that the DHS-IG did not find the Secret Service behavior in Cartagena to be a "widespread culture problem," this report does confirm that there is a certain subculture at the Secret Service that engages in risky behavior that could put national security and the mission of the Secret Service at risk," said Senator Collins. "Certainly, the majority of the men and women in the Secret Service are honorable and hard-working public servants who put their lives on the line every day. Those who participate in the subculture described in this report tarnish the good work of others who do their jobs with honor and integrity."
Following the incidents in Cartagena, and while serving as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Senators Joe Lieberman and Collins led an investigation into the rules governing Secret Service employee conduct at home and abroad and any record of past misconduct.