Richard K. Armey: “we learn in today's papers that Deputy Treasury Secretary Roger Altman was misleading Congress when he said his meeting…”

“we learn in today's papers that Deputy Treasury Secretary Roger Altman was misleading Congress when he said his meeting with White House officials was nothing more than a "heads up." Mr. Altman's Monday letter to the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee marks the fourth time the Deputy Treasury Secretary has amended his Senate testimony to disclose additional contacts with White House officials relating to Madison Savings and Loan. The latest revelation points out that the White House wanted to be sure to have a political appointee responsive to the President in a position to decide what civil cases go forward. Mr. Speaker, this is clearly unacceptable behavior from a high-ranking administration official. Mr. Altman cannot seem to remember the nature of his discussions until he reads them in the papers; then once they have been reported he sends up a letter clarifying his position. Administration officials withholding information from Congress has in the past been considered a Federal crime. Mr. Altman's actions are clearly unacceptable behavior by a high ranking administration official with far reaching regulatory authority. Roger Altman has demonstrated time and again that he cannot be trusted to provide Congress vital information, and he should resign today.”