House speaker: Secret Service scandal 'black mark'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Secret Service prostitution scandal is an embarrassment to the agency and the United States, House Speaker John Boehner said Wednesday. But he stopped short of calling for an independent investigation.
"What I'm looking for are the facts," Boehner said. "I don't want to just jump out there and make noise just to be making noise. Let's get to the bottom of this."
The Ohio Republican told reporters that he wants all information to be gathered before decisions are made about who should be punished and what changes are needed in Secret Service policies.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"The scandal is a real black mark on the Secret Service and frankly on our country," he said.
A dozen personnel from both the Secret Service and the military who were in Cartagena, Columbia preparing for a visit by President Barack Obama are being investigated internally after allegations that some spent time with prostitutes. Officials have said up to 20 prostitutes were involved.