[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 21, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                               WHITEWATER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
February 11, 1994, and June 10, 1994, the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Sam 
Johnson] is recognized during morning business for 4 minutes.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, article I of the 
Constitution gives Congress the right and obligation to conduct 
oversight of the executive branch. But, in the case of the Whitewater 
investigation we have found an abuse of power when one political party 
controls both the White House and the Congress.
  The actions of the majority, the agencies, and the administration 
raise many questions, most important, whether they have compromised 
their independence or obstructed justice.
  But, beyond the stories of a cover-up, where is the enforcement 
mechanism for congressional oversight when political concerns obstruct 
the Nation's business? The Democrat leaders in this House are still 
interfering with the regulatory and legislative process.
  We requested hearings in the Banking Committee and the Banking 
Committee chairman denied them. We all know the Banking Committee has 
legislative jurisdiction over Madison Savings with respect to abuse of 
federally insured deposits, plans to merge all Federal banking 
agencies, agency contracting procedures, and institutional record 
keeping, just to name a few.
  RTC oversight hearings were canceled. We can only assume the chairman 
feared inquiries on Madison Savings. Questions on Madison would not 
have been out of line, that is the job of the Banking Committee.
  The RTC, a historically mismanaged agency that just received $18.3 
billion in new funding, is now three oversight hearings behind. Three 
hearings required by law. Clearly political protection was more 
important than taxpayer dollars in this decision.
  In addition, Madam Speaker, the ranking minority member, Mr. Leach, 
has made many requests of OTS and the RTC for documents that he has a 
right to. But, they refused to disclose documents again after the 
chairman directed them not to respond to Mr. Leach's requests.
  Finally, the House has agreed to hold hearings, but on limited 
topics. The Madison Savings oversight, which is the foremost concern of 
the Banking Committee is not an approved topic for the hearings. And 
once again the process is being held up by the chairman, who yesterday 
expressed dissatisfaction with the topics that have been decided upon. 
This will once again delay hearings on Whitewater.
  It is clearly a stall--a cover up.
  Our oath of office should be our guide. America has to come first, 
not Republicans, not Democrats, not Independents, nor any other party.
  Congress should hold full disclosure hearings on Whitewater and RTC 
oversight hearings, not only to answer questions about the President 
and Madison savings, but to ensure the integrity of the Congress and 
fulfill our responsibility to the American people.

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