James Traficant: “Mr. Chairman, it was not my intention to bypass the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. It is my intention…”

“Mr. Chairman, it was not my intention to bypass the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. It is my intention, however, to highlight the importance of the infusion of illegal foreign money into our campaigns. If we are to truly reform this system, there must be that statement which exists within this reform. The original Traficant language said within 5 days it must be brought to the floor, once a Member has been convicted of having knowingly accepted an illegal campaign contribution. The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, and some of the Members who have done a good job, including the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin), believe that perhaps it would be seen as an effort to circumvent and to bypass the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. It is not my intentions to do that, but I will say this. The key words in there, 'it shall be immediately referred' to that committee and 'it shall be brought forthwith' without placing any specific dates on that. And the original Traficant amendment never did say that that Member had to be expelled, but there had to be a vote on expulsion. It would still be subject to the same constitutional requirements. I am hoping that this will satisfy, but it will still associate with that heinous crime some punishment timely with the deed. Mr. Chairman, the House should not let those matters be carried over too long.”