[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 7, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
GINGRICH AFFAIRS REQUIRE OUTSIDE COUNSEL
(Mr. BRYANT of Texas asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the $57,000-per-seat private dinner
whereby the Speaker of the House is raising money for his new right-
wing television network is the latest in a long series of questionable
activities that require the investigation by an outside counsel.
Most Members of Congress, like the American people, are inclined to
take their colleagues and fellow Americans at their word, but on the
questions about whether the activities of a high public official are
appropriate, ethical or legal become as pervasive as those raised about
the complicated affairs of House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an independent
review by an outside counsel is essential. It is in the Speaker's
interest as well as the House's interest and the American people's to
see to it that allegations against him of conflict of interest and
inappropriate behavior are settled.
The person that holds the office third in line to the Presidency
should be above reproach, and serious allegations about the activities
of the Speaker of the House demand swift, deliberate, nonpartisan, and
above all, independent investigation by an outside counsel.
Mr. Speaker, it is time for an outside counsel.
____________________