H.Res. 277 (104th): Relating to a question of the privileges of the House.

104^th Congress, 1995–1996. Text as of Nov 17, 1995 (Laid on Table in the House).

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HRES 277 LTH

104th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. RES. 277

Relating to a question of the privileges of the House.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

November 17, 1995

Mr. PETERSON of Florida submitted the following resolution; which was laid on the table

RESOLUTION

Relating to a question of the privileges of the House.

Whereas the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct is currently considering several ethics complaints against Speaker Newt Gingrich;

Whereas the committee has traditionally handled such cases by appointing an independent, non-partisan, outside counsel--a procedure which has been adopted in every major ethics case since the committee was established;

Whereas, although complaints against Speaker Gingrich have been under consideration for more than fourteen months, the committee has failed to appoint an outside counsel;

Whereas the committee has also deviated from other long-standing precedents and rules of procedure; including its failure to adopt a resolution of preliminary inquiry before calling third-party witnesses and receiving sworn testimony;

Whereas these procedural irregularities--and the unusual delay in the appointment of an independent, outside counsel--have led to widespread concern that the committee is making special exceptions for the Speaker of the House; and

Whereas the integrity of the House depends on the confidence of the American people in the fairness and impartiality of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved,

(1) the status of the Committee’s investigation of the complaints against Speaker Gingrich;

(2) the Committee’s disposition with regard to the appointment of a nonpartisan outside counsel and the scope of the counsel’s investigation; and

(3) a timetable for Committee action on the complaints.