Peter Blute: “how very far over the years the reputation of the Congress of the United States has fallen in the eyes of the American…”

“how very far over the years the reputation of the Congress of the United States has fallen in the eyes of the American people. How sad that an institution that once the people trusted to do the right thing has allowed itself, through its own actions and inactions, to fall so far in the esteem of the people. Tonight we have an opportunity to take a little tiny baby step towards clearing the cloud which has been hanging over the Congress since the post office scandal came to light. We have an opportunity to prove to the American people that the Congress can police its own and can take a principled stand for its own institutional integrity. We have the opportunity to demonstrate that Congress does have some self-respect left. I say to my colleagues, do not throw away this opportunity, for if we do by opposing the Istook resolution, we will further damage this great institution bequeathed to us by our Founders. The gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook] makes an honest effort to do the right thing by directing the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate this public blight on our institution, and now he has to contend with a last minute resolution from the leadership designed to give political cover via a hastily drafted letter from the U.S. attorney. I urge my colleagues, especially my fellow freshman Members of this House, not to be part of this shell game. Do not let the leadership succeed in this sleight of hand.”