Secret Service Security Woes May Not Be Over Yet

WASHINGTON -- Secret Service Director Julia Pierson resigned abruptly Wednesday, just 24 hours after defending herself and the agency she served for 30 years. It's the latest development inside an organization now marred by scandals.

Pierson said she decided to step down after she realized Congress had lost confidence in her ability to lead.

"She believed that it was in the best interest of the agency to which she had dedicated her career," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.

Americans on both sides of the political aisle shook their heads, stunned that a once renowned law enforcement agency now finds it difficult to protect the first family and, in at least one case, even put the president in danger.

"The president concluded new leadership of that agency was required," Earnest said.

Her disappointing testimony Tuesday before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee led to bipartisan scolding.

"This is disgraceful. This is absolutely disgraceful that this has happened," Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., told Pierson.

Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., holding up an ADT home security sign, asked, "Have you ever heard of these guys?"

Members from both parties called for her resignation.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson is putting together an independent panel to look at security procedures at the White House.

Given recent security lapses, the panel will be asked to determine if a broader review of the agency is needed. The panel will also recommend possible replacements for Pierson -- and her successor can expect a tough confirmation before Congress.

"The growing list of failures from USSS [U.S. Secret Service] seems to be more pervasive than just its leadership," House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said in a statement.

In a letter to the president, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, wrote, "The Secret Service needs a seasoned law enforcement professional who is not a product of the Secret Service to bring about needed reforms."

"Relying on luck cannot be an operational strategy," he added.

Meanwhile, stay tuned. The situation may get worse.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, the lawmaker leading the congressional inquiry, said he's been in contact with whistleblowers and there are more stories of Secret Service security lapses.

Some suggest the agency lost its gusto after 9/11 when it was moved from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Homeland Security.