Angie Craig: “since September of 1997, the General Accounting Office, at my request, has been conducting an investigation into…”

“since September of 1997, the General Accounting Office, at my request, has been conducting an investigation into possible anti-lobbying violations--as well as possible violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act--at the Department of Education. This investigation is ongoing and I have no reason to believe at this time that the nominee in question, Mr. Fleming, is a key figure in this investigation nor have I been presented with any evidence of wrongdoing on his part that would compel me to oppose his nomination. I would, however, like to take this opportunity to urge Mr. Fleming, in his new capacity as Assistant Secretary of Education for Legislation and Congressional Affairs, to cooperate fully with the GAO investigation in order to resolve this matter expeditiously. Mr. President, let me explain my involvement with this issue and my concerns as they relate to allegations of an unusually close, and perhaps improper, relationship between the Department of Education and certain lobbyists in this town.”