FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Jesse Jacobs - 202-224-4524

Tuesday, November 12, 2002

Craig Davis - 202-224-7391



SARBANES REACTS TO DEVELOPMENTS
WITH PUBLIC ACCOUNTING OVERSIGHT BOARD

Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD), Chairman of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on today's events regarding the Public Accounting Oversight Board:

"The SEC must act with wisdom and independence in selecting a Chairman of the Oversight Board. This is imperative in carrying forward the reforms contained in the recently enacted investor protection legislation and in restoring investor confidence in our financial markets."


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