Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) issued the following statement concerning the recent behavior by Secret Service agents during the Summit of the Americas in Colombia. Rep. Engel is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“Extremely vital issues related to our economy and our national security were being addressed and discussed at the Summit, which I attended with President Obama.  Sadly, the discussion back home was not about our relationships with our region, but about the Secret Service employees.  In news interviews, I was asked about their behavior instead of questions about our national drug policy. 

“When one is privileged to represent the United States in another country, one must be aware that their conduct overseas is reflective of our country as a whole.  When people are in another country because they are entrusted to guard the President, they should realize that their actions become more than just their individual behavior.  This apparent behavior reflected badly on the Secret Service, embarrassed the President, and the United States.  It also diminished the hard work and dedication shown by the vast majority of Secret Service agents.

“I am certain the proper authorities are doing everything to investigate these actions and take the necessary and appropriate discipline.”

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