CREW Calls on Gingrich to Ask DOJ to Release Ethics File

Washington, D.C. – Today Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) called on presidential candidate Newt Gingrich (R-GA) to direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release records related to the House Ethics Committee’s investigation of his conduct. The committee inquiry centered on Mr. Gingrich’s use of tax-exempt organizations for political purposes and he was ultimately sanctioned for making false statements to Congress. The ethics committee forwarded its files to DOJ and the IRS for further action in 1997.

Last month, CREW sent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to both federal agencies requesting the records. This week, DOJ denied CREW’s request, citing Mr. Gingrich’s need for privacy and claiming the records could be released only with his written permission.

“As a candidate for president, Mr. Gingrich’s congressional record should be an open book,” said CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan. “The records of the ethics inquiry could shed substantial light on Mr. Gingrich’s conduct while in the House. Americans should have the opportunity to evaluate that information in considering Mr. Gingrich’s candidacy.”

CREW also appealed DOJ’s decision, pushing back against the Department of Justice’s continuing efforts to blanket in secrecy its investigations of members of Congress. Ignoring the undeniable public interest in records concerning the former speaker’s use of charitable tax-exempt organizations to underwrite political activities and his false statements to Congress, DOJ refused to even process CREW’s FOIA.

“Despite a recent decision by a D.C. federal court holding that the public interest in corruption outweighs a politician’s right to privacy, DOJ continues to withhold information regarding corruption investigations. No wonder the department just won the Rosemary Woods award,” said Ms. Sloan.

CREW also sued the IRS, which has failed to respond to CREW’s FOIA request for the ethics committee records.