Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document 96-20 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 1 of 5 PageID #:893

Exhibit 20

Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-20 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 2 of 5 PageID #:894

Porter

J. Goss

February 13. 2016
Hon . Thomas M . Durkin
United States District Judge
Northern District of Illinois
Everett McKinley Dirksen Courthouse
219 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604

Re: John Dennis Hastert

Dear Judge Durkin:
I write in support of J. Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the
United States House of Representatives.

As a new Member of Congress in 1988, I first met Rep. Hastert
and we soon became friendly colleagues working on legislation of
common interest, notably health care. He helped show me the ropes
and provided sound guidance which I relied on throughout my 16 year
Congressional career. His hallmark was solving problems, as opposed to
noting them, and he early on earned the respect of colleagues for his

 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-20 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 3 of 5 PageID #:895

affable and effective working style. The manifestation of that respect
led to his elevation to the Speakership of the House of Representatives
in a spontaneous outpouring of support as THE Member who could lead
the House out of its troubles at a dramatic time of leadership turmoil.
He subsequently became the longest serving GOP Speaker of the
House.

On the dreadful day of 9/11/2001, I was at the Speaker's side
much of the time. As Chairman of the House Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence, I advised him on developments as best I
could, but certainly there were many more questions confronting us
than answers. For starters, evacuation of the Capitol was an urgency.
The Speaker's calmness, steady confidence and quick comprehension of
the magnitude of events set the example. Standing in his office looking
down the Mall at the smoke and flame coming from the Pentagon, the
Speaker quietly replied to me, "yes, we'll leave at once, but I am going
to open the House Session so the chaplain can say a prayer." The
Record will show that happened even while the hijacked aircraft
targeting the Capitol was still in the air.

After the frustrations of spending that day at an "undisclosed
location" with little useful information on which to base decisions and
conclusions, the Speaker led us back to the Capitol to rally our
colleagues and the country from the East steps. He led a moving,
emotional scene perhaps best remembered for those gathered
booming out God Bless America" as a message to all, uwe are here and
we aren't leaving". I know it was comforting and reinforcing to a
worried and confused America.
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 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-20 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 4 of 5 PageID #:896

In the days, months and years that followed 9/11, the Speaker
made changes and took steps that continue to benefit us. In terms of
enhanced security, increased transparency and better focus on
international matters, he propelled the House into the 21st century. His
personal attention to the global war on terror was remarkable; he
initiated weekly intelligence briefings for himself and top House
leadership and his support brought critical dollars to rebuild our
intelligence capabilities. I believe I can fairly speak for the Intelligence
Community that we are deeply indebted to Speaker Hastert for his
commitment and judgment when it mattered.

The contributions the Speaker made through his travels to
advance respect for the American flag and prosperity for Brand USA"
are numerous. I can attest to meetings from Moscow to Istanbul to
Santiago and places in between where he strongly engaged on behalf of
United States policy. I also watched him impress and persuade foreign
Dignitaries in his Capitol Hill office; he was both teacher of and icon for
our form of Democracy. His wisdom in promoting and enabling more
global"parliamentary" contacts yields dividends to this day.
11

I left the US House somewhat abruptly in 2004 to serve in the
Executive Branch at President Bush's request. The Speaker graciously
supported that move even though it meant disruption for the House
Intelligence Committee at a sensitive time. Our workday paths parted,
but we have remained friends with occasional meeting since. In all the
time I have known the Speaker, I have never seen him put his selfinterest ahead of his official responsibilities. Indeed, I believe the job
itself has taken a physical toll on him as I recall many days full of vexing
problems followed by very-late-night, stressful decision making.

 Case: 1:15-cr-00315 Document #: 96-20 Filed: 04/22/16 Page 5 of 5 PageID #:897

Perhaps, the Speakers greatest gift to the House was trust. My
belief is that Members found him very approachable and took him at
his word. I know many viewed him as "Mr .Main Street, America"- a
rock solid guy with center of the country values. As a leader, he
instinctively navigated through perplexing problems and opinionated
personalities by considering all sides. That, coupled with his reputation
for integrity, led to a lot of positive outcomes. Sadly, without his good
influence today's House of Representatives appears diminished.

I forward these thoughts, Your Honor, to affirm that there are
those of us who know first hand that J. Dennis Hastert has piled up
quite a list of positive achievements as a public official over the years.
His hard work and easy manner earned great respect. If these views are
appropriate to your deliberations, I wish you to know they are sincere
and heartfelt.

Most respectfully,

4!?

Porter J. Goss