[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 8 (Friday, January 13, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1010
                         COMMENTS ON BOOK DEAL

  (Ms. DeLAURO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it seems a book could be written on what 
the American people do not know about the Speaker's multimillion dollar 
book deal with one of publishing magnate Rupert Murdoch's companies. 
First we were told the Speaker had not met with Mr. Murdoch prior to 
signing his book contract. Yesterday the New York Daily News reported 
the Speaker had indeed met with Mr. Murdoch, but nothing of substance 
was discussed. Today, the Wall Street Journal reported that, in fact, 
issues surrounding pending legislation in which Mr. Murdoch has a 
direct interest were discussed in the meeting.
  This meeting does not directly imply impropriety, but it does raise 
serious questions that deserve answers.
  What exactly was discussed at this meeting? Did the legislative 
issues that Mr. Murdoch is so interested in come up in the meeting? 
Like foreign ownerships of U.S. media interests? Were the details of 
the Speakers $4 million book deal with Mr. Murdoch discussed?
  Mr. Speaker, each day new revelations are raising new questions. The 
news reports create a cloud. That cloud can best be cured by addressing 
with a thorough and independent review the 

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