NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: For More Information Contact:

March 29, 1996 Gary Ruskin (202) 296-2787

Statement of Gary Ruskin on the Ethics Committee Decision in the Gingrich Case

Once again, the House Ethics Committee has agreed with us that House Speaker Newt Gingrich broke House Rules. And once again, the House Ethics Committee failed even to slap Speaker Gingrich on the wrist for his pattern of wrongdoing.

Speaker Gingrich was wrong to allow a big campaign contributor to work as an insider in his office. It's like selling a staff position to the highest bidder. The American people are tired of watching how special interest lobbyists and big contributors get big special favors from this Congress.

On December 6, 1995, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct wrote to Speaker Gingrich regarding our ethics complaint:

"In reference to the complaint filed by Representative George Miller on February 13, 1995, the Committee has found that your use of Mr. Joseph Gaylord was in violation of House Rule 45, which prohibits the use of unofficial resources for official purposes."

This is now the second time that the House Ethics Committee has found Gingrich in violation of House Rule 45.

-30-