[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 106 (Thursday, July 18, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S8303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            AUTHORIZING SENATE LEGAL COUNSEL REPRESENTATION

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, on behalf of the Democratic leader, I send 
to the desk a resolution to authorize representation by the Senate 
counsel, and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 281) to authorize representation by 
     Senate legal counsel.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate 
consideration of the resolution?
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, the plaintiff in Lockhart versus United 
States brought a civil action in May 1996 in Federal District Court in 
the Western District of Washington. The suit is against the United 
States and a number of legislative, executive, and judicial branch 
officials, including Senator Lott and then-Senator Dole, as well as 
various members of President Clinton's Cabinet. The plaintiff seeks 
damages for a variety of injuries that he alleges the defendants 
inflicted upon him. The complaint's only connection with the majority 
leader and former Senator Dole consists of vague references to statutes 
that Congress has passed or repealed.
  The complaint fails to establish any legitimate grievance with 
Senator Lott or Senator Dole. This resolution authorizes the Senate 
Legal Counsel to represent these Members in this action.
  Mr. DODD. I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to, the 
motion to reconsider be laid on the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 281) was considered and agreed to as follows:

                              S. Res. 281

       Whereas, in the case of James Lockhart v. United States, et 
     al., No. C95-1858Z, pending in the United States District 
     Court for the Western District of Washington, the plaintiff 
     has named Senator Trent Lott and former Senator Robert J. 
     Dole as defenders;
       Whereas, pursuant to sections 703(a) and 704(a)(1) of the 
     Ethics in Government Act of 1978, 2 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 288b(a) 
     and 288c(a) (1) (1994), the Senate may direct its counsel to 
     defend its Members in civil actions relating to their 
     official responsibilities: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to 
     represent Senator Lott and former Senator Dole in the case of 
     James Lockhart v. United States, et al.

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