On July 13, 2001, the Committee received a letter from Representative Bob Barr requesting that the Committee begin an inquiry regarding Representative Gary Condit. In his letter, Representative Barr stated that there was "evidence" that Representative Condit "has obstructed a law enforcement investigation."

In a July 19, 2001, letter of response, Chairman Hefley and Ranking Minority Member Berman informed Representative Barr that, pursuant to Committee Rules and to longstanding Committee policy, the determination had been made that it was appropriate for the Committee to defer action on the allegations contained in his letter because, based on public accounts, it appears that relevant law enforcement entities are reviewing those allegations. The letter of response noted that the determination to defer should not be taken as any indication of the Committee’s position on the merit, or lack thereof, of the allegations contained in Representative Barr’s letter.

In the response to Representative Barr the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member noted, as an initial matter, that Representative Barr’s July 13, 2001, letter did not appear to meet the specific requirements of a complaint as set forth in Rule 16 of the Committee’s Rules.

Representative Barr’s July 13, 2001, letter to the Committee and the July 19, 2001, letter of response are attached to this statement.

The Committee will have no further comment.