[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 14 (Friday, February 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             REAUTHORIZATION OF THE INDEPENDENT COUNSEL ACT

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                               speech of

                              HON. JON KYL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 1994

  Mr. KYL. Mr. Speaker, last year, Congress failed to reauthorize the 
independent counsel law primarily, I believe, because several obvious 
but controversial changes were needed. For example, almost everyone 
recognizes that the expenses of the independent counsel need to be 
better controlled. The Walsh investigation which cost the taxpayers $40 
million, illustrated that problem and others with the previous 
independent counsel law.
  The Hyde substitute would restore the integrity of the independent 
counsel's office and achieve necessary reforms--attacking excessive 
cost, lack of accountability, and failure to cover Congress. 
Specifically, the Hyde amendment would: Require independent counsels to 
reapply for appointment every 2 years; place cost controls on 
independent counsels by making them subject to the annual 
appropriations process after 2 years; require that each independent 
counsel comply with all the laws and regulations governing classified 
information; and, mandate that all Members of Congress are covered by 
the independent counsel law.
  Congressional coverage would no longer be a discretionary, case-by-
case choice of the Attorney General. Unlike H.R. 811, the Hyde 
substitute would provide the first real vote on congressional reform.
  Representative Hyde's proposal will bring about genuine broad-based 
reform of the Independent Counsel Act. If Representative Hyde's 
substitute fails, the House should reject H.R. 811 so that we can start 
over and properly deal with the bill.
  If H.R. 811 passes, every effort should be made to include the 
provisions of the Hyde amendment in the final conference report.
  It is very easy for an independent counsel to abuse his office. That 
is why some controls, such as those embodied in the Hyde amendment, 
should be adopted.

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