(Albany, New York): -- Congressman Michael R. McNulty (D-Green Island) today released the following statement on former Representative Mark Foley (R-FL) and the House Republican leadership:

"No congressional page -- nor ANY minor -- should be subjected to what some of these young people have endured.

"Although Mr. Foley has resigned, the matter does not end there. There were serious failings on the part of the House Republican leaders which must be addressed, and their initial reaction was not encouraging.

"The Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi, proposed last Friday on the House Floor that an immediate investigation be undertaken, and that a preliminary report be issued within ten days. That resolution, which I strongly support, was rejected by the Republican leadership.

"Instead, the House Republican leadership routinely referred the matter to the House Ethics Committee -- on the eve of a six-week recess during which the House would not even be in session! That is unacceptable.

"Those who had knowledge of Mr Foley's communications months ago should be required to testify, under oath. They must clearly state when they had this information and what they did with it.

"What I have seen so far points to a cover-up. If that is the case, then those involved must pay the consequences."

# # #