Mercer Island, WA – In response to the revelations of deeply troubling contact between former Rep. Mark Foley and students in the Congressional Page Program, Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) issued the following statement:

"The conversations that media reports describe between Mark Foley and students in the Congressional Page program are disturbing and warrant immediate investigation. I'm pleased that the Speaker has referred this matter to the Attorney General's office for investigation. It is entirely inappropriate and a gross breach of trust by any Member of Congress that uses his or her position of authority, power and access to attempt to exploit children. As elected officials, we are bound by the highest sense of duty to protect our children.  

"Any Member of Congress who was aware of these interactions, including members of leadership, must cooperate or continue to cooperate with any investigation into the matter. The American people must be confident that these matters are being thoroughly investigated and that all involved are held accountable. If evidence reveals any violation of law, those responsible should be criminally prosecuted.

"As a former Sheriff, I oversaw programs to track and identify sexual predators.  We must all be vigilant; it's imperative that any suggestion of inappropriate sexual contact online or otherwise between an adult or person of trust and a child be quickly and thoroughly investigated. As a father, grandfather and former sheriff, I believe that victims must be protected and predators identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. "