Georgia congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-Grantville), a member of the House committee investigating the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, agreed to answer, via e-mail, some questions from the Journal-Constitution.

Q: What is your feeling about congressional involvement on the issue of performance-enhancing drugs in sports?

A: "The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has jurisdiction over the nation's drug policy. It's within bounds for us to study the issue and demand that Major League Baseball enforce a tough anti-drug policy. I think we covered a lot of that in our 2005 hearings; we sent a message that Congress is watching. I will withhold judgment on whether this hearing is useful and appropriate until I see how it plays out. For the past year, the committee has held a lot of high-profile hearings that attract cameras. I don't think we're doing anybody, including the committee, any favors if this turns into a circus. This isn't SportsCenter. The country would be better served if we focused on widespread use in baseball as opposed to potential wrongdoing by individuals."

Q: In general, do you think Congress should get involved with pro sports? For example, Senator Arlen Spector recently questioned why NFL commissioner Roger Goodell destroyed the tapes related to "Spygate" with the New England Patriots.

A: "I think congressional intervention in 'Spygate' leaps over the line. Americans would rightly ask, 'Don't you guys have more important things to do?' There's a big difference between a professional league turning a blind eye to illegal behavior and a professional league dealing with internal rule violations.

Q: Is there anything you can say about the nature of the meeting you and other Congressional members had with Clemens last week?

A: "It was an introductory meeting. He didn't say anything to me that he didn't say on '60 Minutes.' Look, this is not unusual. Committee witnesses often contact members before hearings. It's part of the work. The more members educate themselves before hearings, the more productive those hearings can be. He asked for some time and I agreed to meet. The only thing that made this different was that there were TV cameras outside my office door because of who he is."

Q: Why was a concession made by the committee that Andy Pettitte will not be required to testify in open session?

A: "The committee said that Pettitte asked not to testify, and the committee granted that request after conducting his deposition."

Q: There are reports that Clemens signed autographs and posed for pictures with some congressmen and staff members. Do you believe that's appropriate?

A: "I'm not going to tell other members of the House how to run their offices. He's obviously a huge star. But I was meeting with him as a member of Congress who sits on a committee that can have a significant impact on this man's life. This wasn't Fantasy Baseball Camp. For me personally, I didn't think it was appropriate to ask for a picture or an autograph. Besides, I'm a Braves fan."

Q: So you weren't among those who received a picture or an autograph?

A: "No."