Text: July 21, 2021Dear Representative Daudt,The recent reports and actions of Representative John Thompson are deeply troubling, which iswhy I have called for his immediate resignation. With regard to all matters pertaining tocomplaints about the behavior of Representative Thompson, I will fulfill the roles the Speakermust during such complicated matters. In this instance, that means that I will follow the sameprotocol that I did in May of 2019, when another member of the House had an interaction withlaw enforcement. I will refer any ethics complaint I might receive to the Ethics Committeepursuant to House Rules. In the absence of an ethics complaint, I will take action at theconclusion of court proceedings.The Speaker presides over the House, and generally does not personally direct an ethicscomplaint. Ethics complaints may be filed by any two members under oath. In the matterssurrounding Representative Thompson, there is already one extant Ethics Committee hearing,on Friday, July 23rd • The role ofthe Speaker is to receive notification of actions recommendedby the Ethics Committee, and to preside in a fair and neutral manner with regards to thoserecommendations.The Speaker may and often should also take actions outside of the ethics process. HouseCounsel generally advises waiting until a court case is decided, in order to be both fair to themember involved, and to avoid weighing in on ongoing legal processes. At the right point, andafter due consideration of possible ethics complaints, I will communicate any decisions taken tothe body.Your letter suggested that you may file a complaint at some point. This is your right as amember of the House. There is no need to tie your decisions to those of any other member,and in fact, it is not advisable or ethical for any member to attempt to leverage the decisions ofany other member in such matters.Sincerely,Melissa HortmanSpeaker of the House