Miller Newsletter on Foley Matter

MILLER NEWSLETTER ON FOLEY MATTER

Last week, I was shocked and disgusted by the news regarding Mark Foley's inappropriate e-mail exchanges with former Congressional pages. I cannot even begin to fathom how any person, especially one in a position of trust, could take advantage of his authority and use it to harm children who look up to and admire him. It is perverse, inexcusable, and an embarrassment to the office in which he served.

I find myself in a position of feeling betrayed. Mr. Foley was a member of the Florida delegation and a colleague of mine. I, like many Members of Congress, always assumed that he was in Washington to work as a civil servant, promoting the greater good for both Florida and the nation as a whole. When the story broke and the Internet and instant message exchanges that took place between Foley and the former pages were released, I was appalled and disappointed in my colleague's inexcusable behavior.

Equally disconcerting are the allegations that followed, claiming that the Republican leadership knew about Foley's inappropriate behavior for months yet did not take action. I support a full investigation into this case. I want to know who knew about Foley's behavior and when they knew about it. It is the duty of Congressional leadership to act as leaders. The safety of the nation's children should come before the safety of the Republican Majority. Keeping control of the Congress is not worth risking the safety and wellbeing of those whose parents have entrusted us.

This week, Mr. Foley checked himself into rehabilitation for alcoholism. Alcoholism is no excuse for pedophilia. I stand in support of a criminal investigation of his actions, and if found guilty, his punishment.

This situation is not a partisan one. It has nothing to do with Republicans or Democrats, rather, what is right and what is wrong. Every Member of Congress should be angry and upset over the actions of Mr. Foley. No one should claim that what he did was permissible under any circumstance. We stand united to investigate the actions of both Mr. Foley and those who may have known, yet ignored his actions.

It saddens me deeply to think that any of my colleagues could be involved in illegal wrong doings. It fosters distrust among the American people. It is our duty as elected officials to serve our constituents honestly, ethically, and to the best of our ability.

The Congressional page program is a wonderful program. A spot in the program is one of the most sought after positions in Washington, DC for young people. Only 72 positions are open each year with over 400 Members of Congress wishing to recommend young people for a position. These kids are some of the most motivated, brightest, hard working young people in the country. It is my sincere hope that Congress will take a good look at the program and the safety of the youth involved to ensure that cases such as this one never again cast a dark shadow on such an admirable program. As the investigations proceed, my wife Vicki and I continue to pray for the young victims as well as Mr. Foley and his family.

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