Published: 12-03-08
On Rangel Ethics Committee Investigation
(Washington DC) – U.S. Rep. John Carter (R-TX) today demanded answers from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-TX) as to whether Pelosi has improperly influenced the Ethics Committee investigation of House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY).
Speaker Pelosi last week issued a news release stating she had “assurances” that the Rangel investigation would conclude in early January in spite of growing evidence of wrongdoing by Rangel.
Carter newly re-elected House Republican Conference Secretary called on Pelosi to “address immediately the very real questions this incident raises about whether your office has sought to improperly influence the conduct scope timing or any other aspect of an ongoing House ethics investigation.”
The former Texas judge says that regardless of Pelosi’s source of “assurances” her press release could have a chilling effect on the investigative process. “Creating a public expectation that the Ethics Committee would soon conclude its inquiry could be viewed as an attempt to fend off growing – and legitimate – demands that Rep. Rangel step aside as Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means while the Ethics Committee conducts its probe into his conduct.”
Carter says that over his two-decades on the bench in Texas attempting to influence an investigative body would be considered jury-tampering.
