The Department of Homeland Security inspector general’s office reopened its investigation Monday into allegations that Secret Service agents circulated embarrassing personal information about House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah.  

Secret Service Director Joseph P. Clancy’s revised account of what he knew and when he knew it prompted the watchdog office to take a fresh look at the investigation. Clancy acknowledged late last week he heard rumors on March 25 that agents were discussing Chaffetz’s records, a week earlier than his previous timeline. “The investigation was reopened as a result of Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy announcing that he now has a different recollection of the events in question than that he conveyed to Office of Inspector General investigators during his interview on July 17, 2015,” the Homeland Security Office of Inspector General stated Monday, adding that the office would conduct further interviews and release further information.  

Chaffetz was holding a pen-and-pad briefing with reporters Monday morning to discuss his bid for House speaker when the agency announced its extended review of how his September 2003 job application was leaked to the press. While the Secret Service’s alleged targeting of the congressman has alarmed Capitol Hill , Chaffetz found some humor to boost his long-shot leadership run.  

On the prospect of him being punished for running for the gavel against House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Chaffetz told reporters, “You can fire me all you want, I just got a colonoscopy from the Secret Service.”  

Matt Fuller contributed to this report.

See photos, follies, HOH Hits and Misses and more at Roll Call’s new video site.


Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.