Pelosi: Secret Service scandal "disgusting"

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

(CBS News) With the scandal involving at least 11 Secret Service personnel in the Colombian prostitution scandal continuing to unfold, members of Congress are not holding their tongues.

"It's actually disgusting," House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday.

Pelosi, who has not been briefed on the situation, called the incident "stunning."

"It's a stunning thing. It's actually disgusting. There has to be an investigation to see how this could have happened and those responsible should have to pay a price," Pelosi said.

Eleven Secret Service personnel and 10 members of the military are under investigation for involvement with up to 20 women, at least some of whom are believed to be prostitutes. An altercation over money led to the U.S. embassy being notified and the expulsion of 11 Secret Service personnel.

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid did not mince words when asked about the situation, calling the agents' actions "either very stupid or a total lack of common sense."

"People that are here to protect the president, they go to Colombia and have a fight with a prostitute over how much she should be paid, I mean that's a little, that's either very stupid or a total lack of common sense," Reid said.

Reid said Congress did not necessarily have a role to play in addressing the matter, however.

"There is not a committee hearing that's gonna take the place or stop people from being stupid, there is not a bill we can pass to cause people to have common sense," he said.

Rep. Elijah Cummings, top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, agreed with Reid that Congress might not be able to add much.

"I think the secret service will be harder on themselves than the congress could ever be on them," Cummings told CBS News producer Jill Jackson.

Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions said the leadership breakdown starts with the president.

"I don't sense that this president is doing, is showing that kind of managerial leadership that at this point in history my view is one of the most important qualities in a president," Sessions said. He also referenced a misuse of taxpayers dollars for a General Services Administration conference and government support for bankrupt renewable energy company Solyndra.

"The president needs to assert discipline, management direction throughout the executive branch and presidents are to be held responsible," Sessions said.

Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan announced Wednesday that three agents, including two supervisors, are leaving the agency: One was forced to retire, one resigned and one was fired. Rep. Peter King, chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, told CBS News that he expects more Secret Service personnel to resign this week.

The Judiciary Committee will hear from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Wednesday. She heads the agency with oversight of the Secret Service and is likely to be questioned on the incident.

[stormerF69]

No more disgusting than the insider trading done by her and her comrades,making themselves rich while shamefully excusing their actions.

[parrots7]

Was that not a Republican Senator ?? - Dumb Dumb Repugs !!

[rwsmith29456]

I can tell of something else that is disgusting.... Nancy Pelosi

[imnho]

This reminds me of a scene out of the movie Casblanca.The Costable says,"Gambling. I'm schocked!" THEN the costable collects his winnings.

I am sure that SS knew this was going on. They just looked the other way. Policing this matter is a hopeless endavor.The agents who were not caught will refrain until th coast is clear and the cycle will repeat

[Rejco100]

Homeless veterans are living under bridges & in horrifying jails for sleeping outside while Nancy is spending millions on First Class Government Jets flying to wonderful vacation spots around the world....

[Dukme]

You're disgusting Mrs Pelosi. Give your husband the lie detector test to see how many prostitutes he slept with before judging others.

[parrots7]

Is the husband in the Secret Service ?? Or was in the Secret Service ??

[wfw3536]

How can this lady have any credibility, as she is the one who said we have to pass Obamacare before we read the new law. She sure didn't do her job as person who is suppose to represent the folks in her congressional district.

[newpdog]

My unethical beliefs are formed by watching my government at work, from our Presidents, the full House of Representatives, and Supreme Court; but then there Nancy? WOW.

[jbrote47]

Yeah, it's a shame. What's really disgusting is pigs like pelosi making money using insider information gained from their position that they were elected to for the people. Disgusting and should be criminal. Along with obama, they should both be tried for treason.

[TJphoto]

What's "disgusting" is a Congress that takes care of itself first before it ever takes care of the electorate. That's both parties. Don't think Congress is for sale? The cap on the interest rates credit card companies charge is 32%. Set by Congress.

[hypnotoad72]

"Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions said the leadership breakdown starts with the president."

True.

But the secret service agents still chose to disrespect the president and country.