In the statement, Reid described the allegations against Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) as 'repugnant.' "Equally as bad," the Nevada Democrat said, "is the possibility that Republican leaders in the House of Representatives knew there was a problem and ignored it to preserve a Congressional seat this election year." Foley resigned Friday amid allegations that he had innapropriate communications with at least one Congressonal Page.

Reid noted that the laws under which Foley could be prosecuted were put into place due, in part, to Foley's work. Foley was co-chair of the House's Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus. Attorney General Gonzales "should open a full-scale investigation immediately. We have a responsibility to the long-term safety of every child who will work in Congress that must not be sacrificed to the short-term interest of any one political party," Reid said.