Pelosi Statement on Ethics Rules Changes

Pelosi Statement on Ethics Rules Changes

Washington, D.C.-- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the Republicans abandoning their partisan ethics rules:

"The decision of the Republican leadership to abandon its misguided attempt to change bipartisan ethics rules is a victory for the American people. Americans understood what was at stake -- the integrity of the House -- and in one voice demanded that the House return to a credible, viable, and non-partisan ethics process.

"Now that we again will have bipartisan rules in place, we can begin to rebuild Americans trust in the Ethics Committee. Members of the House must allow the Ethics Committee to do its job without partisan rancor, and ensure that its deliberations command the respect they deserve.

"Under the bipartisan rules, the Ethics Committee must continue to have non-partisan, professional staff. There is no point in insisting that the Ethics Committee be guided by fair and bipartisan rules if those charged with administering and interpreting them are tainted by partisan motives.

"I commend the dedicated efforts of Ranking Member Mollohan, who sought only to be able to serve with honor and has ensured that all of the Members of the Ethics Committee can do the same."

http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=953