(ChattahBox)—An investigative subcommittee of the House ethics panel, is recommending a “reprimand” for beleaguered Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY). Yesterday, the panel presented 13 charges against Rangel pertaining to a number of alleged ethics violations, including tax evasion for a Dominican beachfront villa and fundraising improprieties. It was reported yesterday, leading up to the 1 p.m. hearing, that Rangel had cut a deal to avoid a public trial by his peers, but the hearing went on as planned.
Despite the recommendations of two lawmakers on the ethics panel, a trial would still proceed in September, close to the November elections, causing problems for the Democrats. That’s not to say Rangel won’t strike a deal before the panel resumes with its trial.
The Washington Post points out that a reprimand echoes the punishment handed down to the disgraced former Speaker Newt Gingrich. But, let’s not forget, Gingrich was hit with an unprecedented fine of $300,00 for misleading the investigation.
“Rep. Gene Green (D-Tex.) told reporters Friday that his four-member investigative subcommittee did not seek the high-level punishments of censure or expulsion, opting for a mid-level sanction that requires the full House to approve it but carries no other penalty.”
“The recommendation we had was a reprimand,” Green said, “and I’ll let the full committee make that decision.”
The entire case presented against Rangel can be found here.
from: http://chattahbox.com/us/2010/07/30/minor-reprimand-recommended-for-rangel-but-trial-goes-on-as-scheduled/
