Bill Archer: “Mr. Chairman, the resolution the House takes up today is simply about five words. It is not about all of the other…”

“Mr. Chairman, the resolution the House takes up today is simply about five words. It is not about all of the other things that have been said that reach out on many different subjects. It is about protecting taxpayers and honesty in government. A Federal judge ruled last December that the Clinton administration engaged in, and I quote, dishonest, unquote, and I quote again, reprehensible, unquote, conduct by trying to deceive the court as to the makeup of its 1993 health care task force. The court found that the administration broke the Nation's sunshine laws and fined the White House $285,000. But President Clinton has announced that he intends to make the taxpayers pay this fine. Today the House of Representatives can send the President a message: Mr. President, protect the taxpayers. It is wrong to make the taxpayers pay this fine. Reverse yourself, Mr. President. Taxes are already at a peacetime record high, and do not make the taxpayers pay one penny more. It is your responsibility. These people acted in your behalf. It is up to you to find a way to protect the taxpayers.”