[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 375 Agreed to House (ATH)]

103d CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 375

         Relating to a question of the privileges of the House.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 2, 1994

 Mr. Gephardt submitted the following resolution; which was considered 
                             and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
         Relating to a question of the privileges of the House.

Whereas the House is on notice pursuant to rule IX that it may soon consider a 
        proposal to direct the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to 
        investigate the former operations of the House Post Office;
Whereas matters relating to the former operations of the House Post Office are 
        the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation by the United States 
        Attorney for the District of Columbia;
Whereas, pursuant to its rules, the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct 
        traditionally defers inquiry with respect to a matter that is the 
        subject of an ongoing investigation by an appropriate law enforcement or 
        regulatory authority;
Whereas the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct has on several occasions 
        agreed to defer inquiry with respect to the former operations of the 
        House Post Office, and has deferred inquiry in other matters regarding 
        current Members where investigations by other authorities are 
        proceeding;
Whereas, by letters of November 25, 1992, September 9, 1993, and October 26, 
        1993, then Assistant Attorney General Lee Rawls, then United States 
        Attorney J. Ramsey Johnson, and current United States Attorney Eric 
        Holder, respectively, requested that the Committee on Standards of 
        Official Conduct defer any inquiry into the former operations of the 
        House Post Office and related matters;
Whereas on February 23, 1994, the United States Attorney for the District of 
        Columbia delivered the following letter to the Speaker and the 
        Republican Leader:
  
  
  
Whereas the House should exercise particular caution so as not to impede, delay, 
        or otherwise interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation that may 
        involve its own Members: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House supports the decision of the Committee on 
Standards of Official Conduct to defer inquiry on matters relating to 
the former operation of the House Post Office; and be it
    Further resolved, That the Committee on Standards of Official 
Conduct shall continue to consult with the United States Attorney and 
continue to review its decision to defer inquiry in this matter. At 
such time as the Committee determines that a Committee inquiry would no 
longer interfere with the criminal investigation, the Committee shall 
proceed, pursuant to its rules, with such inquiry as it deems 
appropriate.

                                 <all>