[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 197 (Tuesday, December 12, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H14263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SECRETARY OF ENERGY MISUSES PUBLIC FUNDS

  (Mr. CHABOT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, more than a month ago I came to this floor 
and called upon President Clinton to dismiss the Secretary of Energy, 
Hazel O'Leary. I said that she should not remain in office for even 1 
more day after we learned of her use of public funds to rank news 
reporters based on their treatment of her.
  But, Mr. Speaker, while the White House condemned her conduct the 
President allowed Secretary O'Leary to remain and to continue spending 
public funds. Now we learn that she has soaked the taxpayers for 
millions more by living the high life on foreign junkets--while padding 
the payroll here at home.
  Half a million dollars for a trip to Pakistan? Unbelievable. $850,000 
for a trip to China? That's an outrage. No wonder this administration 
has such difficulty swallowing a balanced budget and letting taxpayers 
keep more of their own money. Cabinet status ought not entitle one to 
take a perpetual five-star vacation at taxpayer expense. Instead of 
dismissing these concerns, this time the President ought to dismiss 
Secretary O'Leary.

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