“Rep. Mark Foley’s (R-FL) actions are detestable.  The F.B.I. investigation into Rep. Foley’s preying on children does not acquit the Republican Leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives for their failure to take appropriate action in this case.

“House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and other Republican leaders of Congress have known about some of Rep. Foley’s troubling interactions with underage House pages for at least six months, yet they refused to seek a formal investigation or even notify Democrats.

“As a former teacher, I believe that the protection of our children is a sacred trust.  As a former teacher himself, it is shameful that Speaker Hastert participated in violating that trust for half a year.  Speaker Hastert, Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), Chairman of the House Page Board, and any other Members of Congress who participated in the cover-up of Rep. Foley’s activities should resign from their leadership positions.”

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