WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (IL-5) released the following statement as delivered on floor:

“Mr. Speaker, this time last year the Jack Abramoff Scandal was on the front pages of the newspaper.

“Today, a new guilty plea in the scandal proves it’s not over.   It’s like déjà vu all over again.

“The president of a major environmental group with close ties to this Administration pleaded guilty to obstructing a congressional investigation and agreed to provide assistance in the ongoing Jack Abramoff scandal investigation.

“In little more than four months, Democrats and Republicans together have put an end to business as usual on Capitol Hill and passed the most sweeping ethics reforms since Watergate.  But our work is not done.

“We must continue to hold those in this institution accountable for their conduct. But reform doesn’t stop on this end of Pennsylvania Ave.

“The American people deserve better from their public servants.
 
“This Congress passed legislation to ensure that the public trust is not lost at the expense of private interests, we are shining a bright light on the goings-on at the Department of Justice, Department of Education, Department of Interior, and the Veterans Administration.

“With the power to hold hearings, ask questions and demand answers, this Congress is holding the Administration and their officials accountable for their conduct and their oversight of the public trust.

“America voted for change. We will hold both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue accountable and we will never accept business as usual in Washington until we bring the right reforms to the goings-on here in Washington.”