Representative Charlie Rangel (D-NY) had a high profile ethics investigation over the last few weeks. His misconduct earned him a Congressional reprimand. As his ordeal wore on, Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) has also been called out for conflicts of interest. She has asked for a fast procedure, to clear her name as soon as possible. Post resource – First Charlie Rangel and now Maxine Waters by Newystype.com.
Conflicts of interest alleged against Waters
Maxine Waters, a 10-term representative from California, was charged with ethics violations by the House of Representatives today. The charges were announced over a week ago. According to USA Today, she allegedly arranged for special favors for OneUnited Bank, an online financial institution which her husband owns stock in. The bank received $ 12 million in bailout funding. Allegedly, she arranged for the bank’s representatives to be in a meeting with officials from the Treasury, to get a crack at bailout money. Mikael Moore, her chief of staff, was allegedly not informed to steer clear of the conflict of interest. Moore, coincidentally, is her grandson.
Little proof of innocence for Rangel
On July 30, it was announced that Representative Charlie Rangel would only be reprimanded by Congress for 13 charges of ethics violations. The New York Times reports the charges included 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. Senate censures are also rare; only four Senators have been censured since 1950, one of whom was Thomas J. Dodd, father of current Senator Chris Dodd.
Does not meet expectations
If Rangel is found guilty he should quit, according to Representative Ann Kirkpatrick (A-AZ). She also reported that members of Congress needed to hold themselves to higher standards, including the law applies to elected officials just as much as to citizens.
Additional reading
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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