Jack Brooks: “as I said earlier, the independent counsel statute is an important law and it should be reauthorized. However, the law…”

“as I said earlier, the independent counsel statute is an important law and it should be reauthorized. However, the law which expired has not fulfilled its purpose due to shortcomings in the former statute. We need to reform this law if we are to reauthorize it here today. The Hyde substitute embraces virtually every issue debated and voted on in the Judiciary Committee. It represents a responsible and comprehensive reform package that will improve this law and make it a better law than the one that expired in 1992. Colleagues, this substitute is the only comprehensive reform measure that we will be voting on today. Accountability and cost control, as I stated in opening the debate on this bill, are central to improving the independent counsel function. Madam Chairman, these are they key concepts of the Hyde substitute. For example, the substitute provides that after 2 years each independent counsel shall become subject to the annual appropriations process. This is a responsible cost control intended to avoid runway investigations such as Iran-Contra, which spent over $39 million. If the substitute passes, the independent counsel will be subject to congressional oversight and the appropriations process. Additionally, under the Hyde substitute, every 2 years the independent counsel would have to apply to the court for reappointment.”