[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN AN EFFORT TO SETTLE A PARTISAN SCORE, THE HOUSE SETS A DANGEROUS 
                               PRECEDENT

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                            HON. SUE MYRICK

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 1997

  Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I fear that the passage of the resolution 
reprimanding Speaker Gingrich has opened a Pandora's Box that may 
ultimately threaten the very integrity of this noble institution. While 
I support the report of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct 
and the reprimand, I feel that the monetary reimbursement is 
excessively severe and sets a dangerous precedent in the name of 
political expedience. It will mean that only the wealthy will be able 
to afford to serve in office.
  There is a problem that should be of greater concern to all of my 
colleagues. The ethics process is in dire need of reform. We must all 
come together and create a swift, efficient, and fair new process. If 
we fail in this endeavor, the American people will slip even farther 
into the apathy that has gripped our political system for too long.

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