FILE - In this May 14, 2015, file photo, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah speaks at the start of a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Secret Service accountability stemming from a March 4, 2015, incident. A new government report concludes that scores of Secret Service employees improperly accessed the decade-old job application of Chaffetz, who was investigating scandals inside the agency. A deputy director was caught suggesting officials leak embarrassing information to retaliate against Chaffetz. The report said the actions could represent criminal violations under the U.S. Privacy Act. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen, File)
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House says "significant concerns" have been raised by reports that Secret Service employees accessed the unsuccessful job application of a congressman who was investigating agency scandals.
Spokesman Josh Earnest said Thursday, though, that President Barack Obama is confident the "appropriate steps" will be taken to hold accountable those who didn't follow proper procedures.
The Secret Service inspector general reported Wednesday that the actions of agency employees who accessed the file of Rep. Jason Chaffetz (CHAY'-fits) could amount to criminal violations of the U.S. Privacy act.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has personally apologized to the Utah Republican.
Johnson also has said those responsible should be held accountable.
Secret Service Director Joe Clancy also has apologized to the congressman.
FILE - In this April 29, 2015, file photo, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, center, accompanied by the committee's ranking member Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., left, greets Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the start of the committee's hearing on how a small gyrocopter entered restricted airspace and landed on the West Lawn of the Capitol. A new government report concludes that scores of Secret Service employees improperly accessed the decade-old job application of Chaffetz, who was investigating scandals inside the agency. A deputy director was caught suggesting officials leak embarrassing information to retaliate against Chaffetz. The report said the actions could represent criminal violations under the U.S. Privacy Act. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this March 19, 2015, file photo, Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the Senate subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management hearing to review the fiscal 2016 funding request and budget justification for the Secret Service. A new government report concludes that scores of Secret Service employees improperly accessed the decade-old job application of Rep. Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, who was investigating scandals inside the agency. A deputy director was caught suggesting officials leak embarrassing information to retaliate against Chaffetz. The report said the actions could represent criminal violations under the U.S. Privacy Act. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
The Associated Press