In the last few weeks, Representative Charlie Rangel (D-NY) has been famously stung for ethics violations. His misconduct earned him a Congressional reprimand. Just recently, Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) has also been indicted by Congress for conflicts of interests. She has asked for a fast procedure, to clear her name as soon as possible. Source of article – First Charlie Rangel and now Maxine Waters by Newystype.com.
Hot water for Waters with conflict of interest charges
Charges of ethics violations are brought by the House against 10 term Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA). The charges were announced over a week ago. According to USA Today, she allegedly arranged for special favors for OneUnited Financial institution, an online financial institution which her husband owns stock in. The bank received $ 12 million in bailout funding. Among the charges are that she arranged for the bank’s representatives to be present at a meeting with Treasury Department officials to get bailout cash. Allegedly, she never informed her chief of staff to keep away from potential conflicts of interest. Moore, coincidentally, is her grandson.
Rangel reprimanded
After being indicted for 13 counts of ethics violations, Representative Charlie Rangel received only a reprimand. The New York Times reports the charges involved improper soliciting for donations, and falsifying income tax returns by not reporting large portions of income and assets. The investigation has been ongoing for two years. The House and Senate have procedures for censuring or expelling members, but it isn’t used often. The last member of the House expelled was James Trafficant, and there hasn’t been a House censure since 1983. Censures within the Senate are rare as well, as only four have taken place since 1950, one of which was Thomas Dodd, father of current Senator Chris Dodd.
Becoming unacceptable
Representative Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ), was quoted as saying that if Rangel was guilty, he should resign. She also stated that members of Congress needed to hold themselves to higher standards, including the law applies to elected officials just as much as to citizens.
Discover more information on this subject
nytimes.com/2010/07/31/nyregion/31rangel.html?_r=1 and scp=8 and sq= and st=nyt
content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2010/08/maxine-water-ethics-charge/1
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