Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado) introduced a bill Monday to prohibit federal funds from being used for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s salary or expenses.
The move comes as lawmakers increase scrutiny on the Secret Service following Saturday’s attempted assassination of former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
When explainingthe bill,Boebert raised the possibility – without evidence – that the incident was “intentional” and not based on “gross incompetence” on the part of the Secret Service. She also pointed out the supposed prioritization of diversity, equity and inclusion policies at the agency.
“Saturday’s assassination attempt on President Trump’s life was intentional or the result of gross incompetence by the United States Secret Service,” Boebert said in a statement alongside the bill’s announcement.
“Under Director Cheatle’s failed leadership, the United States Secret Service has prioritized awakened DEI policies over the Secret Service’s core responsibilities, including protecting our nation’s leaders. This lack of leadership contributed to the first assassination attempt on a President in 43 years. Director Cheatle needs to go!”
Eight other House Republicans co-sponsoredthe billBoebert’s office said in a statement: Rep. Jeff Duncan (S.C.), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (Tenn.), Rep. Cory Mills (Florida), Rep. Tim Burchett (Tenn.), Rep.), Rep. Andy Ogles (Tenn.) , Rep. Josh Brecheen (Okla.) and Rep. Bill Posey (Florida).
The Secret Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Boebert’s statement and his bill.
On ainterviewwith ABC News that aired Monday, Cheatle said the Secret Service is responsible for the security failures that led to the shooting.
“The buck stops with me,” Cheatle said. “I’m the director of the Secret Service, and I need to make sure we’re conducting a review and that we’re providing resources to our people as needed.”
However, she said she will not resign from her position following the criticism.
Six Congressional committees, both in the Chamber and in the Senate, are already involved in evaluating and investigating the security failures that led to the attack.
In a statement Monday, Cheatle said the Secret Service “will work with the appropriate congressional committees on any oversight action.”
After the attack, Trump said in a statement that a bullet “pierced” his right ear. One rally participant died and two others were seriously injured. The alleged shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by the Secret Service.
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