Q&A with Sen. Chuck Grassley

Q: Why did you launch a congressional investigation just days after the assassination attempt?

A: As Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, I’ve sent letters to the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department to request records and responses regarding Saturday’s monumental security failure. I’m looking for answers regarding the Secret Service’s procedures leading up to, during and after the assassination attempt. I also called on the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) to immediately conduct a full and complete review of the assassination attempt. Just hours after I made my formal request, DHS OIG opened a review. My investigative staff was in contact with the Secret Service and DHS OIG within hours of the Pennsylvania rally shooting, but I still have many questions that need to be answered. That’s also why I’ve sent letters to local law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania, including requests for audio and video recordings in their possession made before, during and after the incident, to help get to the bottom of the security failures. The attempt on the former president’s life was a monumental security failure. It’s important agencies’ records and communications are not destroyed to help prevent this travesty from ever happening again. The American people deserve answers and accountability from federal agencies, particularly the Secret Service, to ensure they are able to fulfill their protective missions. As a watchdog for good government, I’m working to ensure the American people, public leaders, political candidates, as well as our allies and adversaries abroad, have confidence our federal law enforcement agencies have what they need to carry out their jobs and with competent leadership at the helm. That starts with full and complete transparency to Congress and the American people.

Republican Chuck Grassley has represent Iowa in the U.S. Senate since 1981.