Xavier Becerra: “we have heard a growing number of conflicting and disturbing reports over Bookgate, the Speaker's book deal. Here is the…”

“we have heard a growing number of conflicting and disturbing reports over Bookgate, the Speaker's book deal. Here is the bottom line, though: If the Republicans want to close the books on this episode, it is time for them to open up the books to the book deal and accept the call for an independent counsel to investigate these mysterious dealings. Some Republicans are hoping that this issue will quietly disappear. But, Mr. Speaker, it will not go away, for a simple reason: America does not know what there is to ``go away.'' As recently as last week, the Speaker and Republican leaders met with media moguls in this country, including tycoon Rupert Murdoch. Murdoch is pushing the Congress to eliminate the ban on foreign ownership of America's TV and newspaper companies. Murdoch's publishing company, by the way, was the one that gave the Speaker the $4.5 million book deal. Do not forget also that Murdoch and his lobbyists had a private meeting with the Speaker prior to the announcement of that lucrative book deal. Last week's meeting could have been just a friendly get-together, or there might have been a lot more to it than that. It is time to, Mr. Speaker, open up the process and find out exactly what did happen.”