Hastert Seeks Inquiries of Foley Case, Page System

by Brian Naylor, NPR

House Speaker Dennis Hastert says he takes responsibility for the scandal stemming from resigned Rep. Mark Foley's communications with a former congressional page. But he said he has no intention of resigning as speaker, vowing to seek another term after the November elections.

Speaking in his home state of Illinois, Hastert also said he has asked former FBI director Louis Freeh to examine Congress's page system. "We've asked the ethics committee to look into this matter," Hastert said, "and we've asked the Justice Department, the FBI, and the state of Florida."

In a statement released Thursday, Hastert said, "Any person who is found guilty of improper conduct involving sexual contact or communication with a page should immediately resign, be fired or be subjected to a vote of expulsion."

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, October 5, 2006