Hastert’s statement. Dissect it yourself. And while we’re on the topic, why hasn’t he agreed to take press questions yet?
“The instant messages, reportedly between Congressman Foley and a former page sent in 2003, are vile and repulsive to me, and to my colleagues. No one in the Republican Leadership, nor Congressman Shimkus, saw those messages until last Friday when ABC News released them to the public. When they were released, Congressman Foley resigned. And I’m glad he did, if he had not, I would have demanded his expulsion from the House of Representatives.
“The page program is an important part of this institution. It has inspired many generations to enter public service. It is a trust, and as a parent and as the Speaker of the House, I am disgusted that Congressman Foley broke that trust. Anyone who had knowledge of these vile instant messages should have turned them over to authorities immediately so that kids could be protected.
“I repeat again, the Republican Leaders of the House did not have them. We have all said so. On the record. But someone did have them. And the ethics committee, the Justice Department, the news media – or anyone who can — should help us find out who.
“Yesterday I sent a letter to the Attorney General requesting he investigate to what extent any federal laws were violated by Congressman Foley, and also to find out who might have known about the sexually explicit instant messages. I was pleased to read in the newspaper this morning that the FBI has begun to investigate.
“I also sent a letter yesterday to Governor Bush, requesting an investigation to determine what state laws were violated. And I am certain the state of Florida will take my request seriously.
“Today I have met with Congressman Shimkus who is the head of the page board to discuss what we can do to make sure this never happens again. This will not be my last meeting on this subject. I intend to get advice on how we can make this program as safe as possible.
“Since I’ve been Speaker we have moved aggressively to insure the safety of these kids. We constructed new living quarters with state of the art security systems. We have added even more adult supervision. But we obviously need to do more, including providing assistance to these kids after they return home. After all, this vile instant message exchange reportedly took place after the page had returned home. Moms and Dads all across America know what a challenge it is to monitor contact with their kids in this new world of instant communication and cyberspace. That is our challenge too.
“Over the weekend I asked the clerk to move aggressively to set up a hotline. So parents, grandparents, pages, former pages…anyone who has a concern about improper contact…can confidentially report improper contact. Our pages are already taught to bring any concerns to their adult supervisor; but this will be one more opportunity, especially for them after they leave the program.
“Before I turn over the microphone to Mr. Shimkus for his statement, let me add this.
“Congressman Foley duped a lot of people. He lied to Mr. Shimkus and he deceived his instate newspaper when they each questioned him. He deceived the good men and women in organizations around this country, with whom he worked to strengthen our child predator laws. I have known him for all the years he served in this House. He deceived me, too.”
