Don Nickles: “Since they've begun their work, I have met with them regularly to hear what they found and ask them questions. I check…”

“Since they've begun their work, I have met with them regularly to hear what they found and ask them questions. I check on their progress several times a week discussing with them what evidence they have found and how they are proceeding. Most important of all, I told them from the start that they are to contact me immediately if they ever believe that evidence and law justify triggering the independent counsel statute. I and Director Freeh check with them regularly to ensure they have adequate resources. Later in her statement: As I stated then, the fact that we don't trigger a preliminary investigation under the act does not mean we are not investigating the matter. We are fully prepared to trigger the Independent Counsel Act and pursue any evidence that a covered person committed a crime if any should arise in the course of our investigation. We continue to investigate every transaction brought to our attention. We will not close the investigation of a matter without Director Freeh and I signing on its closure.”