Johnson applauds Secret Service director's resignation
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Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) welcomed the news on Tuesday of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's resignation following the attempted assassination of former President Trump.
Why it matters: Johnson asserted that the House will move forward with its bipartisan investigation into the security failures that led to Trump being shot, and told reporters the resignation "should have happened sooner."
- "Accountability begins at the top — I told her that in the library yesterday morning before she went out for that hearing, and I said it's not personal but there must be accountability," he told reporters.
- Johnson said that "whomever is appointed to replace her, I hope will be you know, very sober minded about those responsibilities, and that they will look to improve the processes so that the people can have faith in that agency."
- The Louisiana Republican added that he feels President Biden holds some responsibility over agency failures, stating that "we don't need to see inept leaders at the top of these agencies right now we need to see competence, and ultimately, the buck stops in the Oval Office."
What's next: Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) officially announced on Tuesday a bipartisan task forced aimed at investigating the assassination attempt.
- Leaders on both sides of the aisle said they want a swift, nonpartisan probe into the matter, with both sides expressing grave concerns over the security failures.
- The House is expected to vote on a measure to establish the panel, which will consist of seven Republicans and six Democrats and have subpoena power.
Zoom out: While multiple committees have launched probes, Johnson stated that he feels a task force could help them speed the process in obtaining critical information.
- Leaders are looking to avoid partisan mudslinging with the task force, which is expected to be made up of seven Republicans and six Democrats.
- The panel will be responsible for "recommendations for reform to the relevant government agencies and recommend any necessary legislation to implement the reforms."
- Johnson said despite Cheatle heading to bipartisan calls to step down, he feels the investigative panel is necessary since there "may be others in the line of authority who are also culpable in what happened."
The big picture: Cheatle's resignation comes in the wake of bipartisan criticisms over her lack of answers during a House Oversight hearing on Tuesday, with members of all factions casting doubts on her ability to lead.
