The Secret Service is set to go back to the country where a prostitution scandal rocked the agency two years ago, leading to the dismissal of numerous agents and the implementation of new rules meant to keep them away from prostitutes and strippers.
The White House announced on Thursday that Vice President Biden will travel to three countries during the week of June 16, including Colombia.
“In Colombia, the Vice President will meet with President Santos to follow-up on the bilateral and regional prosperity and security agenda,” the White House said.
In 2012, as many as 12 agents were believed to have been implicated in the infamous prostitution scandal. At the time agents brought back prostitutes to their hotel rooms, the Secret Service was in Cartagena, Colombia preparing for President Obama’s visit to the Sixth Summit of the Americas.
The Secret Service, responding to the incident, implemented new rules for agents on trips abroad, including prohibiting agents from allowing foreigners in their hotel rooms and from patronizing “non-reputable establishments.” The new rules also increased the number of hours that agents must be alcohol free before reporting for duty.
Other countries on his tour include Brazil and the Dominican Republic. Added Biden’s office: “In each country, the Vice President will meet with key leaders to discuss the full range of bilateral, regional and global issues.”