[Source: [louse Appropriations Followup]

Q.

A.

S.O.L. EXTENSION: EFFECT ON MADISON

Do you realize that without the extension of the statute of limitations against civil claims against S&L wrongdoers, there could be no claims with respect to Madison?

Let me assure you that Madison was not an issue in my discussions regarding a possible statute of limitations extension. I'm certainly aware now that if the statute of limitations had not been extended, RTC would have had to make decisions on claims with respect to Madison before the statute of limitations expired.

[Source: House Appropriations Followup]

Q.

A.

ALTMAN MEETINGS POST-LEACH

Does it bother you that Mr. Altman's meeting with the White House relating to Madison took place after Congressman Leach's request that Mr. Altman recuse himself from Madison matters?

Option 1: As I have said before, I have not engaged in my own factfinding on these contacts. Mr. Fiske is doing the fact-finding and we're cooperating completely with his inquiries. I have asked the Office of Government Ethics to advise me on any ethics issues raised by the meeting, and they have told me that they will do so once they are notified by Mr. Fiske that it is appropriate to proceed.

Option 2: My understanding is that the February 2 meeting took place before Congressman Leach's February 3 letter to Mr. Altman.

[Sourcer House Appropriations Followup]

Q.

A.

DELAY IN RTC CEO NOMINATION

Why has it taken over a year for the Clinton Administration to appoint an
RTC head?

As you know, the Administration nominated an individual for the CEO
post last year. However, the Senate did not act on that nomination for an
extended period so the nominee withdrew himself from consideration.
We have been working hard to identify another qualified individual who
will be willing to take the job.

(Source: House Appropriations Followup)

Q.

A.

PAS DECIDE MATTERS INVOLVING PRESIDENT: APPROPRIATE:

Don't you believe that it is inappropriate for a political appointee in an Executive Department to make decisions for an independent Federal agency in cases that may involve the President and First Lady in law enforcement and civil actions?

Any question such as this has to be addressed in light of all the facts and circumstances. On this question, I have asked for the facts and circumstances to be reviewed by the Office of Government Ethics, and I'll be able to make my own judgments after that work is done.

[Source: House Appropriations Followup]

Q.

A.

COMMENT ON WHETHER LEACH APPROPRIATE

Given recent events, wouldn't you agree that it was appropriate for
Congressman Leach to raise questions regarding Mr. Altman's recusal?

I had no problem with Congressman Leach expressing his concern.