[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 11 (Thursday, January 19, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H333-H334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     DOING THE PUBLIC'S BUSINESS IN A TRULY OPEN AND PUBLIC FASHION

  (Mr. BECERRA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago America was told that this body 
was taking action to ensure that just about everything we do is done in 
full public view. No secrets and nowhere to hide--and that is exactly 
the way it should be.
  But now, in an ironic twist, it appears that there is an effort by 
some to silence any and all discussion of the Speaker's potentially 
lucrative book deal.
  The citizens of this country deserve to know what kind of financial 
arrangements have been made in this book deal and what has been 
discussed behind closed doors that may affect public policy.
  There are a lot of things we do not know about the book deal. And 
that has to raise serious questions and concerns about possible 
improprieties and conflicts of interest. [[Page H334]] 
  But today's and yesterday's action on this floor--and today's 
rulings, the rulings handed down yesterday and today--have all but 
stopped us from engaging in an honest dialog on this matter.
  It is a slap in the face to the public, and to this institution.
  If the majority party is sincere about doing the public's business in 
a truly open and public fashion, I challenge the leadership to back up 
their words with action.

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