ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, March 30, 1996 TAG: 9604010021
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
Speaker Newt Gingrich did not comply with House rules when he let a Wisconsin businessman use his congressional office, but no further investigation is necessary, the House ethics committee ruled Friday.
The finding, in a letter to Gingrich, ends the inquiry into the activity of Donald Jones, who was an unpaid volunteer last year.
Gingrich spokesman Tony Blankley said the speaker was ``gratified that the committee has decided to take no action.''
House rules permit members to temporarily use volunteers, provided the office ``has a clearly defined program.'' The service performed must be ``of significant educational benefit to the participant'' and must not ``supplant the normal and regular duties of paid employees.''
The rule is designed to stop private interests from performing congressional work and prevent them from gaining a foothold in congressional offices. - Associated Press
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