Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) introduced a bill on Monday to prohibit federal funds from being used on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s salary or expenses.
The move comes as lawmakers heap scrutiny on the Secret Service in wake of Saturday’s assassination attempt of former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In explaining the bill, Boebert raised the possibility — without evidence — that the incident was “intentional,” rather than based on “gross incompetence” on the part of the Secret Service. She also took aim at alleged prioritization of diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the agency.
“Saturday’s assassination attempt on President Trump’s life was either intentional or the result of gross incompetence by the United States Secret Service,” Boebert said in a statement alongside the bill’s announcement.
“Under Director Cheatle’s failed leadership, the United States Secret Service has prioritized woke DEI policies over the core responsibilities of the Secret Service, including protecting our nation’s leaders. This lack of leadership contributed to the first assassination attempt of a President in 43 years. Director Cheatle has got to go!”
Eight other House Republicans cosponsored the bill, Boebert’s office said in a release: Rep. Jeff Duncan (S.C.), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (Tenn.), Rep. Cory Mills (Fla.), Rep. Tim Burchett (Tenn.), Rep. Barry Moore (Ala.), Rep. Andy Ogles (Tenn.), Rep. Josh Brecheen (Okla.), and Rep. Bill Posey (Fla.).
