Earlier today, I received a copy of a letter of resignation from Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, who has chosen to terminate her service as a member of the House Page Board. We value the participation and guidance of our Page Board members and have great respect for the invaluable counsel that they offer.  I am pleased that we have held an unprecedented seven Page Board meetings this year, including a meeting as recently as today.

In her letter of resignation, Representative Brown-Waite outlined concerns with the direction of the Page Board, as well as the administration and leadership which we have imparted over the last 10 months.  Our commitment to the development and administration of a world class Page Program requires that we continually consider new and better ways to exercise our responsibility for the protection and safety of students who come to Washington for a valuable educational program at the House of Representatives. Constructive criticism is an important part of that process and we welcome ideas for further improvement.  However, I think it is equally important to highlight the areas where we have been extremely successful and reforms we have already made, where necessary and appropriate.

Under the leadership of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, we have implemented significant reform measures designed to restore and enhance the integrity, effectiveness and reputation of the House Page Program. We have instituted a strict disciplinary structure that calls for immediate action when students commit serious rule infractions at the Page School.  We have worked aggressively with the Page Board to produce strict protocols for communication and interactions with House Pages. Additionally, Page Dorm staff, in cooperation with the Clerk’s Office, Sgt. at Arms and Architect of the Capitol have instituted vastly expanded safety measures and activity monitoring for Pages, including upgraded security procedures to limit access to the Page School. Pages are issued a comprehensive handbook that outlines, in specific terms, the standards for Page conduct and are required to adhere to a strictly enforced Honor Code. They receive comprehensive training and orientation that establish clear expectations for conduct that reflects credibly on the House.   

Representative Brown-Waite specifically references the dismissal of four Pages this term for inappropriate conduct.  As part of our program overhaul, we have adopted a zero-tolerance policy when faced with rules violations or conduct that is ethically or legally suspect.  These recent dismissals are an example of our willingness to exercise our option of immediate dismissal from the program, an option that we will continue to exercise when appropriate and warranted.

Those of us who are entrusted with the safety, security and wellbeing of our Pages take this responsibility with the utmost seriousness.  Creating an environment in which our nation’s youth can be nurtured and developed to their full potential is an extremely rewarding practice and we will continue to develop our Page program to achieve these objectives.  I remain personally committed to maintaining strong and productive dialogue with our Page Board, Majority and Minority House Leadership and the others who share our appreciation for this venerable institution.