Eli Crane: “As parents we try to teach our children one of the most fundamental elements of decency, thou shalt not lie. If you do…”

“As parents we try to teach our children one of the most fundamental elements of decency, thou shalt not lie. If you do not tell the truth, there are consequences. Unfortunately we have before us today an issue that violates that tenet, and the punishment is being undermined by the President's administration. The court case we are talking about brings an almost $286,000 judgment against the Clinton health care task force which was led by Ira Magaziner. The court determined that Mr. Magaziner chose not to tell the truth when he was questioned about the members of the task force. To compensate for his deceit, he and the other task force members must pay the plaintiffs attorneys' fees and costs. He lied, and now he must pay, a justifiable punishment within our justice system. Instead of making Mr. Magaziner pay for his dishonest action, the administration has said it is appropriate for the American taxpayers to pay the penalty. Tax money should not be used to subsidize dishonesty, and I would urge my colleagues to cast their vote in support of honesty and integrity.”