Porter Goss: “above the door to the Supreme Court Building are the words ``Equal Justice Under the Law.'' These words apply to all…”

“above the door to the Supreme Court Building are the words ``Equal Justice Under the Law.'' These words apply to all citizens including Members of Congress--but, the Supreme Court decision last spring placed this institution above the law. In Hubbard versus United States the Court held that section 1001 of 18 United States Code is only applicable to individuals who knowingly issue a false statement to the executive branch. This means that individuals--including Members of Congress--who intentionally lie to this institution can no longer be prosecuted under this statute. Following the Supreme Court's decision we witnessed numerous legal briefs filed to dismiss or lessen charges against former Members of Congress. We all know of one former Member that may have received a longer prison sentence for the criminal acts against the American people if Congress was under section 1001. This is not equal justice under the law. We cannot allow criminal activity to go unpunished. H.R. 3166 extends the false statement statute to all three branches of the Government. It is very clear that individuals doing business with the Government or appearing before a committee are under this statute. H.R. 3166 makes Members of Congress legally accountable to the American people. I support this measure and encourage my colleagues to do the same.”