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False Description

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The letter from Douglas Hewitson (Letters to the Editor, Aug. 23) gave an entirely false description of my position on requiring that Congress abide by the same laws that apply to the private sector.

The truth is that I have long advocated ending congressional exemption from these laws that cover the private sector and I was responsible for strengthening the provisions in the compliance bill before the House approved it by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 427 to 4.

As chairman of the subcommittee that developed the Congressional Accountability Act, I made sure that Congress will be covered under all pertinent laws and by twice as many as recommended in the original measure. The bill we reported, and which was eventually passed by the House, also gives more authority and independence to the compliance office to enforce the law and congressional compliance.

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I also believe that members of Congress should be subject to the same rules for health care benefits as every other American, and I voted for an amendment to the compliance bill with that requirement.

It is simply wrong for Congress to insulate itself from the effect of laws that apply to the private sector. For Mr. Hewitson or anyone else to assert that I believe otherwise is not only irresponsible, but also dead wrong.

ANTHONY C. BEILENSON

Woodland Hills

Member of Congress

24th District

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