Rod Grams: “Yesterday House Banking Committee Chairman Gonzalez accused Republicans of "using an array of half truths, old rumors…”

“Yesterday House Banking Committee Chairman Gonzalez accused Republicans of "using an array of half truths, old rumors, half-baked conspiracy theories, and outright lies" in our efforts to hold RTC oversight hearings, and ask some important questions on Whitewater. He also postponed the statutorily mandated RTC oversight hearings set for this Thursday, citing Republican inability to discuss the matter in a calm and dispassionate manner. This is outrageous. Mr. Speaker, Republicans did not create Whitewater. In seeking hearings we are simply trying to apply the same standards that were unceasingly and vigorously applied to recent Republican administrations. Americans are tired of finger pointing, name calling, and abdication of responsibility. As long as the White House and the Democrat leadership persist in passing the buck on Whitewater, Americans can rightfully remain disgusted with how their Government deals with important national issues. The saddest part of this issue is that the American people are getting shortchanged, losing faith in our ability to address serious social and economic issues. Until we effectively put Whitewater behind us this feeling will persist. Under the leadership of Representative Jim Leach, Republicans are trying to restore faith in Government. We are trying to get to the bottom of Whitewater and its RTC implications before it overflows the banks of the river and cripples the White House and Congress.”