So what’s the punishment for Rangel’s numerous ethics violations, including financial wrongdoing and “harming the credibility of Congress”? A stern reprimand of course. That’ll teach him.
CNN is reporting that House ethics committee investigators are recommending that Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) be reprimanded as punishment for 13 ethics violations. Rangel, for his part, says the recommendation is not true.
Of course, Rangel has also maintained that he hasn’t done anything wrong. He has been formally charged with 13 ethics violations after an extensive investigation by the ethics committee. The investigation included digging around in Rangel’s finances after it was revealed that he had understated his worth on official forms, racked up a number of property liens and failed to report rental income on his tax returns (if you haven’t seen his excuse, you must, it’s a winner). Of course, everyone makes mistakes, but we expect more from our Ways and Means Chair – the head of the committee that writes our tax policy really shouldn’t have multiple tax and financial violations.
Rangel had maintained his innocence for a number of years. Earlier this year, he was asked to step down from the head of the powerful Ways and Means Committee but refused up until the very last minute. After it was revealed that Rangel had accepted expensive corporate-sponsored trips in violation of House rules, a group of Representatives attempted to vote him out. Rangel quickly stepped down (apparently believing, erroneously, that he could step back into power after a brief leave of absence).
Although Rangel has indicated that he is thankful that the matter is drawing to a close, it’s not over yet. An ethics committee trial of Rangel is still in the works, most likely to be held in September. My guess is the trial won’t actually happen. Rangel has already become a huge liability for many House Democrats, especially House Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) who refused to criticize Rangel previously despite vowing to run the cleanest House in history. The Dems won’t want any more negative ethics publicity just before the November elections. Just like that, Rangel has become the kid in school that nobody wants to sit next to.
Why do they always leave the fox in charge of the chicken coop. Im sure when he was first elected he had reasonable expectations of greatness. Im sure when he saw the ways of getting rich he joined the ole boy club. Where does it stop ??