Pelosi Statement on Congressman Ney's Guilty Plea to Federal Criminal Charges

Pelosi Statement on Congressman Ney's Guilty Plea to Federal Criminal Charges

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on reports that Republican Congressman Bob Ney of Ohio agreed to plead guilty to federal criminal charges:

"The guilty plea by Congressman Bob Ney confirms what we have long said: the Republican culture of corruption has pervaded Congress. This is a tragedy for his family, his constituents, and for the United States Congress. But it is long past time for those who have benefited from the Republican's culture of corruption to be held accountable.

"Mr. Ney's criminal dealings with Jack Abramoff and others also remind us that, in the face of overwhelming evidence of the auctioning off of Congress to the special interests, the Republican Leadership has done nothing to return the Congress to the control of the American people. Republicans have failed to pass a single substantive reform - instead proceeding with shams like yesterday's earmark bill that does not save one penny or prevent one earmark.

"Democrats are fighting for sweeping Congressional reforms to ensure that Members are held to the highest ethical standards. Corruption has come at great cost to the American people - from the cost of prescription drugs to the price at the pump. It is time for a new direction of honest leadership and open government."

http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=1794