BARTOW, FL. Representative Adam H. Putnam (R-FL 12), Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, today issued the following statement:

"Speaker Hastert has acted swiftly and decisively to protect the young men and women who serve in the Page Program and to begin to restore the dignity and honor of the House that was badly tarnished by the behavior of Mark Foley.

"The matter is now under the investigation of the Justice Department, the FBI, and the State of Florida. Speaker Hastert has conferred with the Minority Leader to determine an appropriate outside person to review the Page Program. In addition, the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct has announced that it has issued four dozen subpoenas to Members, Officers and staff of the House.

"I fully support the Speaker and his call for the FBI and State law enforcement to fully investigate this matter, wherever it may lead. I also encourage him to do everything in his power to improve and preserve the Page Program as an outstanding opportunity for young people across this country."

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