"I am deeply saddened and shocked to learn of former Rep. Mark Foley’s inappropriate contact with House Pages.  His activities must be immediately investigated.  But what is equally shocking is the fact that the House Republican leadership knew of at least some of Mr. Foley’s improper contacts with House Pages for months and only acted on its knowledge after a major television network broke the story.

"It is my understanding that Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), the Republican Member of Congress in charge of the Page program, did not inform his Democratic counterpart, Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI), of the Republican Leadership’s previous knowledge of Mr. Foley’s activities.  If this is the case, the House Republican Leadership once again has failed to conduct responsible and effective oversight.  It appears that they placed their narrow personal political interests above the safety of young men and women Pages.

"I wholeheartedly support Leader Pelosi’s call for the Ethics Committee to investigate the matter post haste to determine who knew what and when.  The FBI should also move expeditiously to determine what further actions should be taken."