'Don't Try And Play A Shell Game With Us!': Pete Sessions Does Not Let Up On Secret Service Director

Summary

During a committee hearing, a director is questioned about his ability to understand and take responsibility for an incident involving his agency. Despite having 28 years of experience, he has not provided a clear analysis or taken immediate corrective action. The director insists on waiting for a final report, frustrating committee members who expect him to use his expertise to identify failures and initiate changes. An internal investigation is expected to be completed within 60 days, alongside external and FBI investigations.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The chairman expresses doubt in the director's ability to understand and take responsibility for the incident in question.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The director has been with the agency for 28 years, yet there's an emphasis on waiting for a final report for answers.
• 📞 The chairman, having experience in a similar role at AT&T, questions why the director can't provide immediate analysis or insight.
• 🚫 There have been no disciplinary actions taken against employees involved in the incident in Butler, PA, as of the time of the hearing.
• 🔍 The director is being pressed to analyze and identify what went wrong without relying on others for the final report.
• 🗓️ The director mentions an internal investigation aiming to be completed within 60 days, along with other ongoing external investigations.
• 🤷‍♂️ The director is criticized for deferring to others for decision-making and not taking a clear stance on the incident's issues.
• 👥 There is an expectation from the committee for the director to demonstrate leadership and take decisive action based on his experience.
• 📉 The director's responses are perceived as inadequate by the committee, reflecting a lack of confidence in his handling of the situation.
• 🔄 The conversation highlights a tension between the need for immediate answers and the process of thorough investigation.
• 🏛️ The congressional members are eager for transparency and accountability, pushing for the director to take a more proactive role in resolving the incident.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed by the speaker regarding the director's performance?

The speaker is concerned that the director has not demonstrated the ability to understand what happened in the incident at Butler, PA, nor has he taken responsibility for it, despite having 28 years of experience with the agency.

How long has the director been with the agency according to the speaker?

The director has been with the agency for 28 years, as mentioned in the script.

What is the speaker's previous experience that he references in the hearing?

The speaker references his 16 years of experience with AT&T, where he moved seven times and gained a good understanding of operations and responsibilities.

What does the speaker expect from the director in terms of understanding the incident?

The speaker expects the director to have a clear understanding of the incident and to be able to provide credible answers without having to wait for a final report.

Has any employee been disciplined for their role in the Butler, PA incident according to the director's statement?

No, according to the director, no employee has been disciplined or placed in a position that would jeopardize their job or standing in the agency at this time.

What is the director's response to the speaker's request for an immediate analysis of what went wrong?

The director acknowledges that something went wrong but states that he is still waiting for a full and complete report to determine accountability and make necessary changes.

What is the timeframe the director provides for the internal investigation to be completed?

The director mentions that they are targeting to complete the internal investigation within 60 days.

What other investigations are mentioned in the script besides the internal one?

Besides the internal investigation, there are also external investigations by the Office of Inspector General and a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice and the FBI.

What does the speaker imply about the director's ability to make changes within the agency?

The speaker implies that the director, with his 28 years of experience, should be able to identify system failures and make immediate corrections without waiting for a final report.

What is the speaker's final stance on the director's position?

The speaker does not ask for the director's resignation but challenges him to use his professional expertise to provide clear answers and take responsibility for the incident.

Who is recognized to respond after the director in the script?

Missio Cortez from New York is recognized to respond after the director.