Bob Wise: “the credibility in this institution requires that both the public and the Members serving here know that there is…”

“the credibility in this institution requires that both the public and the Members serving here know that there is consistency in the application of the processes by which Members are investigated for alleged wrongdoings. Specifically, that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct follows the same process for each and every Member. Simple due process for anyone requires that they know what to expect, and know what the procedures are. That is why I have some concern when I read that the gentlewoman from Connecticut, the present chair of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, was quoted as saying recently that, and I quote from the Hartford Courant, ``The letter of the law is not compelling to me. I will work with the rules. Our rules have a certain amount of flexibility. Our goal is to have a process that the committee members feel good about.'' Mr. Speaker, justice and Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigations are not best conducted in a hot tub, feel-good atmosphere. I am concerned when an aide of hers quotes Speaker Gingrich in 1987, when he said that investigation requires a high standard. I urge it to be followed today.”