Process to Remove Rangel from Ways and Means Chairmanship Begun in House

Press Release

House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY) would be removed as Chairman of the powerful House committee pending completion of the ongoing investigation into Rangel's multiple ethics violation charges and failure to pay income taxes, if the House approves a Resolution introduced today by House Republican Conference Secretary John Carter (R-TX).

Carter, who has demanded action on the allegations from both Rangel and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi since last year, introduced a privileged resolution on the issue today. Under House rules, a privileged resolution must be brought to the floor for consideration by the full House within no more than two legislative days. With the House scheduled to come back in session Monday, the measure must be considered no later than Tuesday.

"It brings me no joy to introduce this legislation concerning a colleague," says Carter. "But this body has a high duty and obligation to conduct itself in a way that restores public confidence in the integrity of this institution. When charges of this magnitude are pending against a Member, the House must respond in a way that achieves that goal. If Mr. Rangel is cleared of wrongdoing, I will be the first to congratulate him back to the Chairmanship. But we must show we are serious about enforcing the ethics rules of this House, instead of using stall tactics to thwart the process."

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