http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=72570Pelosi to Hastert: Take Steps to Remove Ney From Subcommittee Chairmanship
9/15/2006 6:10:00 PM
To: National Desk
Contact: Brendan Daly or Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616, both of the Office of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi sent the following letter to Speaker Hastert today urging him to take the steps necessary to strip Congressman Bob Ney, who will plead guilty to federal criminal charges, of his subcommittee chairmanship.
Below is the text of the letter:
September 15, 2006
The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert
Speaker
United States House of Representatives
H-232, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Speaker:
Today, Representative Robert Ney agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges involving corruption and false statements. Among other things, Mr. Ney has now admitted to undertaking a number of official actions in exchange for gifts, travel, and campaign contributions. Justice Department Criminal Division chief Alice Fisher noted that Mr. Ney has engaged in a "long-term pattern to deprive the public of his honest, unbiased services as an elected official."
According to the Department of Justice press release issued today, Mr. Ney will not formally enter his guilty plea until October 13, at which time he must refrain from participating in the deliberations of any Committees of which he is a member and relinquish the Chair of the Subcommittee on Housing and Opportunity of the Committee on Financial Services.
In view of his admissions, it is unseemly for Mr. Ney to retain this sensitive position until October 13. I request, therefore, that you take whatever steps are necessary to remove him therefrom. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Nancy Pelosi
House Democratic Leader
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