U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today released the following statement on the investigation of former Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL): 

    “There is no greater crime than the exploitation and abuse of a vulnerable child.”

    “Mr. Foley’s outrageous misconduct that directly led to his resignation on Friday demands a thorough criminal investigation. If state and or federal laws were broken, he should be vigorously prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law.”

    “Moreover, since the sexually explicit communications are approximately three years old, the investigation must also include the extent to which any individual knew of the existence of the offensive material and failed to take appropriate legal action. Such a person or persons would be complicit in cover-up and obstruction.”