[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]




[[Page E168]]



INTRODUCTION OF WELDON RESOLUTION REAUTHORIZING A CITIZENS' COMMISSION 
                        ON CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 1997

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce 
a resolution to reform ethics oversight in the House of 
Representatives.
  This measure would establish a 14-member Commission on Congressional 
Ethics composed of private citizens, while eliminating most 
responsibilities of the House Committee on Standards of Official 
Conduct. The resolution would grant the Commission power to investigate 
Member and staff ethics violations, sit and hold hearings, subpoena as 
authorized by the House, and report and recommend actions to enforce 
ethics to Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Not only will 
this remove Members' conflict of interest in policing their colleagues, 
but it will give people a hands on role in shaping all the 
administrative operations of the House. The best way to reform the 
People's House is to get more of the people involved.
  The American people want change and are demanding reform. It is time 
for us to act. This measure is not a complete solution to the public 
confidence crises, nor the last word of reform in this body. But it is 
a positive step in the right direction.
  The recent investigation of the Speaker by the House Ethics Committee 
demonstrated the conflict of interest and the difficulties that will 
arise when Members must police each other. I believe this resolution 
will enable the process to work more effectively.
  During the 104th Congress we made great progress in the area of 
institutional reform. This legislation will enable us to continue that 
reform and to strengthen America's trust in their elected 
representatives. I will press for adoption of this proposal in the 
House. I look forward to the support of all Members in this body.

                          ____________________