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House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Friday named Reps. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) to act as the GOP representatives on the House Page Board. The two appointments fill positions left open when Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Fla.) and Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) resigned in December after failing to be informed about page infractions, including a shoplifting and an oral sex incident. Boehner had promised to thoroughly investigate the lapses in the program before refilling the positions, compelling the House Inspector General to issue a report last month. The report, was not made public, but suggested creating a new deputy clerk position to manage the program and new visitor guidelines for the adult employees living in the page dorm. “The House Page Board plays a critical role in caring for and protecting the young men and women who take part in this program every year,” Boehner said in a statement. “I’m confident [Foxx and Bishop] will make valuable contributions to the important work being done by Chairman Dale Kildee and the other dedicated members of the Page Board.” Bishop and Foxx have both led extensive careers as teachers. “It is an honor to serve on the board that works to ensure these young men and women have a great educational experience in the safest possible environment,” Foxx said. “These students have the opportunity of a lifetime to learn about their nation’s government and I look forward to continuing my lifelong career as an educator on this Board.” “Ensuring the safety of these young people always has to be the top priority, so I think a majority of our time will be spent making sure we are doing everything we can in that regard," Bishop said in a statement. “It’s very important that this program run smoothly, that these students have a positive experience, and that parents know their kids are safe. So we’ll be looking at reviews and figuring out what is best for these students and the program.” Rep. Dale E. Kildee (D-Mich.), chairman of the House Page Board said he welcomed the two Republican appointments. “I hold them both in high regard, and I am confident that they will make a positive contribution to the workings of the House Page Board,” Kildee said. “I am pleased that the Board will once again have a full membership of two Democratic and two Republican Members of Congress along with the other statutory members.” |