House Leaders to Probe Rostenkowski Payment

Leaders of both political parties in the House agreed Friday night to investigate Rep. Dan Rostenkowski’s reimbursement to the government of $82,000 for previously purchased office equipment.

The repayment by the Illinois Democrat, who is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, “raises some serious questions regarding the House’s procedure and integrity,” said Minority Whip Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.).

Gingrich said that initially leaders would conduct a “low-key” inquiry and would determine later whether a more formal probe is required.

Rostenkowski’s office and campaign accounts and his stamp purchases are under investigation by a federal grand jury.

A subpoena issued Thursday asked for any Rostenkowski records of reimbursement to the House’s office-supply store, including recent payments totaling $82,095.

Rostenkowski issued a statement Thursday night saying he reimbursed the government for the equipment because questions were raised about the purchases. He said he “erred on the side of reimbursing the government.”

Gingrich and House Majority Leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) said they agreed that leadership staff members would review the propriety of the reimbursements while Congress is in recess next week. The leadership will meet on the subject in two weeks.

House rules require that official office equipment, purchased at a discount, can only be for official use. If it is found that the equipment was used improperly, the member must reimburse the House for the purchase amount plus 10% to cover the discount.

Rostenkowski, who faces a primary election next month, said in his statement Thursday that he was aware of some purchases but not others.

“Because of the ambiguity and flexibility surrounding many of the House rules, which have changed over time, and because of the passage of time and the absence of documentation, it was impossible to reconstruct each purchase and its purpose,” Rostenkowski said.

“Accordingly, I erred on the side of reimbursing the government for any item which even my fiercest political adversary could question.”

Rostenkowski paid back the money from campaign and personal funds. He said he was willing to make the reimbursements “since my integrity is a lot more important than the money.”