Jim Ramstad: “Mr. Chairman, my amendment is both reasonable and straightforward. Under my amendment, an independent counsel may be…”

“Mr. Chairman, my amendment is both reasonable and straightforward. Under my amendment, an independent counsel may be removed for good cause for failure to comply with the standards of conduct which are set forth in the independent counsel statute. Those standards of conduct are spelled out in the statute in two sections, the first section 594(f), as amended by the subcommittee reads: An independent counsel shall, except to the extent that to do so would be inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter, comply with the written or other established policies of the Department of Justice respecting enforcement of the criminal laws. The other provision is section 594(j). This places employment restrictions on independent counsel and staff while they are serving and for periods subsequently. It also provides restrictions on law firm associates of the independent counsel. Mr. Chairman, these standards of conduct are wise and reasonable. Presently, however, there is no enforcement mechanism, no penalty whatsoever for failing to comply with sections 594 (f) or (j). My amendment seeks to correct this oversight. It simply states that: Failure of the independent counsel to comply [with sections 594(f) or 594(j)] * * * may be grounds for removing that independent counsel from office for good cause. I want to emphasize again, this does not compel the Attorney General to remove an independent counsel, it only provides guidance.”