Ethics Committee: 13 Charges Against Charlie Rangel

[sabra]

Source: CBS News

A public trial into ethics charges against New York Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel began today. Lawmakers cast the proceedings as a necessary exercise to regain the public's trust in Congress.

The 20-term representative is charged with 13 "very serious" allegations, said Texas Rep. Mike McCaul, the ranking Republican in the House Ethics Committee. The charges are related to allegations Rangel inappropriately solicited donations for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at City College of New York, left errors and omissions on his financial dicslosure forms, failed to report and pay taxes on rental income for a beach villa, and inappropriately allowed his campaign committees to use a rent subsized apartment.

Rangel attempted to reach a settlement with the committee to avoid a humiliating public trial, but it appears no deal was reached. The start of trial now marks the culmination of a two-year investigation into the charges against him.

If the lawmakers on the committee --- which includes an equal number of Democrats and Republicans -- find Rangel guilty, punishment could range from a report criticizing his conduct to a reprimand or censure by the House to a vote to expel him.

"We have an obligation to Mr. Rangel so that he has his day in court, so to speak," McCaul said as the trial opened. "We also have an obligation to the American people to protect the integrity and accountability of the House."

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20012108-503544.html?tag=cbsContent;cbsCarousel

[underpants]

1. I notice that the Ethics committee only works when Dems are in charge