Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to B. B., September 25, 1996

"""SffisSr*-- I'tONAL Е“~”С Я»***™ (Congress of tiic ©niteb States Spouse of fitpreaenfattoeg ©Hastimgton, ЭС 20515-2002 September 25, 1996 Dearj Thank you for contacting me regarding your desire to see the report regarding alleged ethics violations on the part of House Speaker Newt Gingrich released to the public. I agree, as does House Speaker Newt Gingrich himself, that the report prepared by independent counsel James M. Cole should ultimately be released to the public. The issue is not if, but when the report should be released. The report in question was requested by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, which continues to investigate the charges filed against Speaker Gingrich. I believe that the committee should be allowed to complete its own investigation before this preliminary document is released. Many Democrats -- motivated by electoral year politics ~ have sought to have the report issued prematurely in order to reap quick political gain. However, the work performed by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct is not about politics, but rather about preserving the integrity of the institution itself. Releasing the report now — before the committee has completed its work -- will only cheapen the process. Once again, thanks for writing to me regarding this important issue. Please contact me again if I may be of further assistance to you. Sincerely, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress