William Martini: “Mr. Speaker, the question facing the House of Representatives is whether or not individuals who knowingly and…”

“Mr. Speaker, the question facing the House of Representatives is whether or not individuals who knowingly and intentionally issue a materially fraudulent or false statement to the legislative or judicial branch of the Federal Government should be subject to criminal prosecution under title 18, section 1001 of the United States Code. The Government Accountability Act, H.R. 3166, is intended to amend section 1001 of 18 United States Code in a manner that would make its application consistent with the legal precedents established prior to the Supreme Court's May 15, 1995, decision in Hubbard versus United States. As a result of the Court's action in Hubbard, this year, for the first time in over 15 years, Members of Congress filed their financial disclosure statement without fear of prosecution or penalty for issuing fraudulent or false statements on these forms. Mr. Speaker, I believe that is wrong and I also believe that the public has a right to know that congressional financial disclosure forms are filled out truthfully and accurately.”