Ethics Committee votes down opening investigation:
DeLay Statement on Unanimous Dismissal of Bell Complaint
WASHINGTON- House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) today released the following statement:
“The Ethics Committee has done the right thing in dismissing Mr. Bell’s embellished allegations with bipartisan unanimity. While the allegations were dismissed, I accept the Committee’s guidance. Mr. Bell displayed contempt for Congress by manipulating the ethics process in pursuit of his personal vendetta, and today’s dismissal says more about Mr. Bell’s conduct than it does about anything else.
“The Committee was forced to complete its work in a highly divisive atmosphere fostered by politically motivated individuals and entities who have attempted to tamper with and influence the congressional ethics process for partisan gain.
“For years, Democrats have hurled relentless personal attacks at me, hoping to tie my hands and smear my name. All have fallen short, not because of insufficient venom, but because of insufficient merit.
“Mr. Bell’s allegations, coordinated with one of these groups, intentionally misstated law and facts and violated the spirit and letter of House Ethics Rules. Although I believe this filing should have been thrown out immediately, I have spent the last four months cooperating with the Committee fact-finding. To expedite this matter, I even offered to waive my rights to bring this matter to closure. I’m glad this matter has been brought to its conclusion.
“I would invite my political opponents to engage the battle of ideas instead of misusing the congressional ethics process or abusing the legal system in a misguided attempt to settle scores.
“I’ll continue to work hard to advance the cause of Republican governance, which I believe is critical to America’s security, prosperity, and families.”