Re-evaluate, don't eliminate, congressional page program

Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill. - Peoria, Ill.

Jonathan Turley's commentary, "109th Congress just can't resist," contained many misleading statements and several comments that are a misrepresentation of my service to the people of the 18th District of Illinois. As gratuitous and baseless as those comments were, I want to focus on setting the record straight regarding my thoughts on the congressional page program (The Forum, Oct. 19).

USA TODAY's readers should know I've suggested to House Speaker Dennis Hastert that the page program be temporarily suspended and an evaluation be conducted to ensure the safety of the students — not eliminating all pages. In 1983, sweeping changes were made to the page program after a similar scandal. We should take this time to re-evaluate the program to make sure that the students are never again subjected to such vile actions.

Mr. Turley also suggested that this idea would target the students as the problem, instead of the alleged perpetrator, former congressman Mark Foley. That could not be further from the truth.

My concern is protecting the students, and the House must take strong action to ensure their safety. I was pleased to hear Speaker Hastert's recent comments that a search has begun for an expert authority to advise the House on improving the program.

Public debate today is debased by people talking past each other and not listening to the facts behind proposals. I hope Mr. Turley will listen more in the future before reacting.