For example, only recently has the House of Representatives approved a measure applying basic civil rights protections to House employees; protections that Congress has required all other employees to abide by. House employees have yet to gain protections from the Fair Labor Standards Act, another law imposed by Congress on other employers in the Nation.

In addition, questions about "double standards" as they apply to investigations of misconduct on Members of Congress could be raised. Let's look at a few of these cases. In 1987, one Democratic Member of Congress was accused of diverting Government resources to his former law firm, of permitting another Member to vote for him, and of paying the salary of a "no show" employee. The House Ethics Committee found violations of House Rules and recommended a reprimand. The House reprimanded him; no other penalty or punishment was imposed.

Another case concerned a Democratic Member of Congress who was accused of conflict of interest and payroll improprieties. The House Ethics Committee found violations, but no sanctions were imposed. This Member of Congress repaid the Government for the salary of the individual. Another Member of Congress was alleged to have misused his office for personal gain. The Ethics Committee found that this Member understated the value of some investments by over $2 million, did not report other investments, and accepted a free air trip. However, the Ethics Committee ruled that sanctions were not warranted. No further action was taken.

In his additional views, the Subcommittee Chairman advocates that a high standard should be used in judging fitness for a high level Government position. He poses the rhetorical question, "Does an individual who knowingly authorized the payment of salary to a phantom employee demonstrate sufficient judgment and responsibility to hold one of the highest offices at the Department of Education?" Perhaps it would be appropriate if that same question were posed to officeholders in the United States Congress. Furthermore, perhaps it is time for Congress to review whether it operates under "double standards."

JIM LIGHTFOOT.

100th Congress, 2d Session

Union Calendar No. 645

House Report 100-1106

"IF THIS IS TUESDAY, THIS MUST BE BELGIUM":
WASTE AND ABUSE IN FOREIGN TRAVEL AND
AIRCRAFT USAGE AND OWNERSHIP BY THE
CORPS OF ENGINEERS

COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

JACK BROOKS, Texas, Chairman