WASHINGTON – Former Rep. Mark Foley’s one-time aide didn’t waver Thursday from his contention that he told the House Speaker’s chief of staff at least three years ago about Foley’s approaches to male pages, the witness’ lawyer said.

Kirk Fordham would not comment after emerging from nearly five hours of closed-door testimony before the House ethics committee. But his lawyer, Timothy Heaphy, said Fordham was “consistent in his accounts.” Fordham has spoken out publicly on his timeline and was questioned by the FBI.

Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., has said he learned of inappropriate approaches by Foley in late September and his aides found out in the fall of 2005. Hastert’s chief of staff, Scott Palmer, has denied that Fordham contacted him at least three years ago, contradicting Fordham and creating one of the major conflicts the committee must resolve.

Heaphy told reporters Fordham was “forthcoming” in his testimony. “He has been consistent in his accounts of these events when he talked to the FBI and today met with the ethics committee.

“He’s been truthful and cooperative and will continue to be throughout this and other investigations.”

Heaphy said Fordham has been asked not to comment on the substance of the inquiry because of the ongoing investigation.

Foley resigned from Congress on Sept. 29 after being confronted with sexually explicit instant messages.

Polls indicate the page scandal is hurting Republican chances of retaining the majority in the House. President Bush appeared with the embattled speaker in Chicago on Thursday, saying the country would be “better off” with Hastert in power.

“I am proud to be standing with the current speaker of the House, who is going to be the future speaker of the House,” Bush said as he opened a speech to raise money for two Illinois congressional candidates.

Fordham isn’t the only witness who will testify about earlier, unsuccessful attempts to stop Foley, although the timelines differ.

Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., scheduled to appear Friday, has said he confronted Foley last fall, after he was told by Hastert’s office of an overly friendly – but not sexually explicit – e-mail to a page from Louisiana.

Shimkus is chairman of the House Page Board, a group of three lawmakers and two House office