[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 172 (Thursday, November 2, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H11687-H11688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INDEPENDENT COUNSEL TO INVESTIGATE THE SPEAKER

  (Ms. DeLAURO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)

[[Page H 11688]]

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, the Ethics Committee investigation into 
allegations against Speaker Gingrich makes the O.J. trial look like 
swift justice.
  Since the beginning of this Congress, the Ethics Committee has been 
meeting to discuss the various charges against Mr. Gingrich. The 
complexity of the charges coupled with the fact that they are leveled 
against the highest ranking Member of the House are two reasons why 
this inquiry has dragged on. They are also two reasons why we need an 
outside counsel to take over.
  For several months, government watchdog groups like Common Cause and 
Public Citizen have been calling for the appointment of an outside 
counsel in this case. They believe, as I do, that the appointment of a 
fully independent, outside counsel is the only way to assure a fair, 
thorough, nonpartisan investigation of the Speaker. It is the only way 
to lift the ethical cloud that hangs over this House.

                          ____________________