Rep. Lofgren Calls For Investigation Into Lynne Cheney’s Demand For Book Reprint

Were Political Considerations Allowed to Interfere With Critically Important Scientific Inquiry?

Media Contact: Heather Wong, 202.225.3072

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D- CA - San Jose) today sent a letter to Rod Paige, Secretary of Education, calling for an investigation into reports that the parents guide "Helping Your Child Learn History" was ordered reprinted because of complaints made by Mrs. Lynne Cheney, the wife of the Vice President of the United States. Rep. Lofgren questioned the review process and whether political considerations were made in this decision.

The following is the text of the letter:

October 15, 2004

Rod Paige, Secretary of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202

Dear Secretary Paige:

On October 8, 2004 the Los Angeles Times ran a piece entitled "Booklet That Upset Mrs. Cheney Is History." I believe the article raises several questions that I expect you will be able to answer in a prompt and timely manner. I have attached the article for your reference.

My questions are:

Is the article correct when it reports that the "Helping Your Child Learn History" guide was reprinted because of complaints made by Mrs. Lynne Cheney, the wife of the Vice President of the United States, and/or members of her staff?

What was the cost of editing and reprinting these guides?

Were the original parent guides destroyed? If so, when were they destroyed, by whom and at what cost?

What is the Department of Education's policy on reviewing previously produced guides for possible updating and redistribution? Is it part of the Department's policy that the spouses of elected officials have a veto over Department of Education instructional material?

This Administration has been frequently and, I believe, fairly criticized for allowing political considerations to interfere with critically important scientific inquiry.

Secretary Paige, please assure me that such blatant political considerations have not now also surfaced at the Department of Education.

Sincerely,
ZOE LOFGREN
Member of Congress