May 17, 2006

Statement of Chairman Doc Hastings

and Ranking Minority Member Howard L. Berman

Representative Randy Cunningham resigned from the House last year and is now in federal prison after pleading guilty to engaging in a criminal conspiracy and to tax evasion. Representative Cunningham resigned his House membership after his misconduct became known, and the Committee did not initiate a formal investigation into his conduct.

Since Representative Cunningham’s resignation, however, there have been continuing reports regarding his conduct, the conduct of his alleged co-conspirators, and others, that, if true, raise serious issues concerning possible violations of House Rules and standards. Most recently, reports have suggested that federal officials are investigating whether Representative Cunningham and possibly other Members and staff were provided hotel rooms, limousines, and other services in exchange for performing official acts.

In light of those continuing reports and the seriousness of the potential rules violations, we have, pursuant to the authority given to the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member, initiated an inquiry under Committee Rule 18(a) into a variety of allegations related to former Representative Cunningham and his alleged co-conspirators in order to determine whether other House Members or staff are implicated by those allegations.

Should we become aware, either through the inquiry we have undertaken or through any other source, of facts supporting more formal investigation of one or more Members, officers or employees, we intend to take all appropriate steps under Committee rules, including recommending the establishment of one or more investigative subcommittees.

It has not generally been the custom of the Committee, nor will it become our practice, to announce the initiation of an inquiry under Committee Rule 18(a), but because of the circumstances regarding this matter, we are making an exception.  The text of the Committee Rules is available on the Committee Web site, www.house.gov/ethics.