http://www.bonitanews.com/news/2006/oct/21/amie_parnes_if_he_wanted_foley_could_still_roam_ho/?local_newsAmie Parnes: If he wanted, Foley could still roam House floor
By Amie Parnes
Saturday, October 21, 2006
WASHINGTON — It may sound inconceivable. But it could happen.
Disgraced former Rep. Mark Foley, resplendent in his usual stylish threads, could open the doors leading to the floor of the House of Representatives and walk right in, as he did for the past 12 years.
Foley also could sit in an aisle seat, as he did so many times before, and listen to his colleagues speak or even hear the president's State of the Union address. Or, he could approach more congressional pages, if he wanted to — and no one could do anything about it.
OK, Foley might not want to step onto the House floor, or even show his face on Capitol Hill, considering the firestorm he left since resigning from office last month after it was discovered that he sent sexually explicit online messages to teenage boys.
But he could if he wanted to.
Under current chamber rules, former lawmakers are free to roam the House and Senate floors during session.
But who in the world would be crazy enough to go back to the floor after retiring or resigning from office?
Lawmakers do it all the time. It just doesn't raise eyebrows.
(snip)
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