[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 58 (Wednesday, March 29, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H3883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     APPOINT AN INDEPENDENT COUNSEL

  (Mr. DOGGETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, a dark ethical cloud lingers over this 
Congress. To safeguard the public trust, to ensure that high ethical 
standards are maintained, there are times when it is appropriate to 
appoint an independent counsel. An investigator who is not biased, who 
is not linked to either party to investigate thoroughly may be 
essential.
  That has occurred in this House on a number of occasions, in the 
matter of Congressman Charles Diggs, in the matter of ABSCAM, regarding 
Congressman George Hansen, regarding Congressman St Germain, regarding 
the Page scandal, regarding Speaker Jim Wright, and most recently in 
1989 regarding Mr. Gingrich.
  Why not now? If charges are partisan, if they are unjustified, what 
better way to demonstrate it than to have an independent counsel verify 
that?
  Last year before the election, so many of the Republicans talked to 
us about the President and Whitewater, why is it that now the election 
is over all they talk about with reference to Mr. Gingrich is 
whitewash.




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