Massa's Allegations "Absolutely Untrue," Says Hoyer

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 12:30PM
Talk Radio News Service (Admin) in Congress, Eric Massa, Frontpage 1, Health Care, News/Commentary, laurel brishel prichard, sexual harassment, steny hoyer

By Laurel Brishel Prichard University of New Mexico/ Talk Radio News Service

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said Tuesday that statements made by former Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY) claiming that he was forced out of office in order to pass health care reform legislation were "absolutely untrue."

“[It is] absolutely untrue ... that there was any relationship between actions and the health care bill. Period," Hoyer said during his weekly pen and pad session with reporters.

Massa, who resigned amid allegations that he had made inappropriate, sexual remarks to a staffer, has accused Hoyer of falsely stating that the Majority Leader had contacted Massa prior to the revelation of the scandal.

Hoyer denied making the claim, and instead stressed that each Congressman's staffs were in contact.

“I never talked to Mr. Massa,” said Hoyer. “My staff talked to his staff.”

Hoyer's staff reportedly urged Massa’s staff to go to the Ethics Committee within 48 hours or Hoyer’s office would take action themselves.

Article originally appeared on Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media (http://www.talkradionews.com/).