July 18, 1995 - Part 1
July 18, 1995 - Part 1
(10:55:10) There are, however, a few parameters which should guide our deliberation during the Whitewater hearings. First, we should attempt to ascertain all of the facts in an impartial manner without prejudging the outcome. I think the colloquy that we've just engaged in, in terms of the request for the polygraph or lie detector results of Maggie Williams, is an example of that, It's my understanding, as the Chairman and the Ranking, Member have indicated, that both have joined in a request for those results and to dispute any notion that there is a withholding on the part of the Administration or Ms. Williams. We've been informed orally, as I understand it, by Special Counsel that that information is not 22 going to be provided to us at this time. I think that's illustrative of the thing we should try to avoid in these proceedings. Let's hear the facts, get them all out on the table and then reach the conclusions as we will. Second, a guiding principle is we ought not to jeopardize or compromise the investigation of the Independent Counsel, Mr. Starr, There will be a proper time and place for all the facts to come to light, and we should not do anything in the course of this hearing that would in any way compromise that investigation. Let me conclude that the stage of the hearings we are in at this time is not only clearly defined, but quite narrow and specific. The Committee is charged with, according to the resolution, "whether improper conduct occurred by White House officials in the handling of documents in the office of White House Deputy Counsel Vincent Foster." That is the issue before us at this time. Mr. Chairman, I would like to compliment you and the Ranking Member, Senator Sarbanes. I must say that I approach the hearings with an auspicious sense that we can conduct these hearings as you, as the Ranking Member, and our Chairman last year, Senator Riegle, did in developing the facts, Then we can reach the conclusions based upon the record that's developed, ' not upon some of the wild theories and gossip that have been spread around concerning this circumstance. Finally, let me compliment the Administration for their cooperation in turning over documents and assisting the hearing. (10:57:40)(tape #10108 ends)