August 1, 1994 - Part 3
August 1, 1994 - Part 3
(13:50:32) Senator MACK. Mr. Roelle has indicated to us that on two different occasions Roger Altman directed Ms. Hanson with respect to the Madison matters. One, was either on September 24 or 27, 1993 ' you're not positive about the date, but I believe it was September 27, 1993, and the other was on October 6, 1993, when you informed Mr. Altman of the press information. And at that time, he directed Ms. Hanson to inform "Jack, Bernie, and the Secretary," I believe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 63 The CHAMMAN. Senator Dodd. Senator DODD. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I don't think I'll need all of the time. Let me thank all four of you for being here. As I said the other day, one probably didn't assume that a year or so ago, you'd be as . iced to recall every conversation, thought, or hypothetical ques-tion in front of a Senate panel. It has been a panel for this purpose, so I want to thank you personally. All of you, have distinguished records and long service, and that should be noted as part of the record. I also want to associate myself with the questions raised by Senator Bryan and the concerns raised about the management issue of asking by statute to fill vacancies with only confirmable people. At that particular time in this Administration, it limited the decision to the Secretary of the Treasury and Mr. Altman, thus placing ourselves in a situation that invites the kind of problems and troubles that the OGE's office has identified, I'm hopeful we'll address that issue, but it's important to note that all of you seem to express the notion that Mr. Altman, as well, was concerned about this and trying to do the best job he could. I think it's important for the record to reflect that. I asked some very pointed questions, at the outset, in my line of questioning this morning, to get to the important questions for you, not hypothetical questions about what you would do if you were private attorneys or, in retrospect, what someone should or shouldn't do under political circumstances, and so forth. The issue for all four of you, but principally Mr. Ryan In and Ms. Kulka, is of what, if anything, happened as a result this information being shared? People have used the words "insider information" suggesting, in effect, that that information bad some impact or effect on the progress of the particular cases. There's a legitimate set of questions that will come to those witnesses about what information was shared and with whom, and we ought to look at that. The second set of questions, in my view, addresses the issue of what, then, was done with that information, and to what extent that information, then, affected or is affecting the progress of the particular case', the Madison case. ~ It seems to me you're in a unique position to answer the latter question, and your opinions regarding the first are certainly worthwhile, but only the witnesses who were involved directly in those conversations are going to shed the kind of light that this Committee needs to have. I want to focus this question, again coming back to the point, what were the implications, what actions either were suggested by the White House or the Treasury Department and what, if anything, did the RTC do with that information, if, in fact, it was shared or given to you? It was pointed out by you, Mr. Roelle, that the reason you keep referrals private is for two reasons. One is to protect the innocent. Their reputations can be ruined if that information gets out. The other reason is to not destroy a case to protect a case in effect. I would ask you whether or not that is true, if that is exactly why the rationale for keeping the referrals private is important? Mr. ROELLE. Yes, sir. 64 Senator DODD. Are you, or any of you here, aware of any evi-dence that the disclosures in this case either by the press or oth-ers, in any way altered the course of the referrals or enabled any-one to gain an unfair advantage? Mr. ROELLE. I am not, sir. Senator DODD. No advantage whatsoever? Mr. ROELLE. I am not aware of it. Senator DODD. Ms. Kulka? Ms. KuLKA. I am not. I have great concern about parts of our investigation- that keep getting released inappropriately and the effect that has on our ability