NYT Editorial - April 18, 2009
Is the House Swamp Drained Yet?
The House investigation of Representative Charles Rangel’s ethical gaffes and misdeeds was supposed to be completed in January, by the initial estimate of Speaker Nancy Pelosi. But the inquiry blithely rolls forward in secrecy — except for the recent disclosure that the ever feckless ethics committee has been without a chief counsel for the last eight months.
This glaring handicap, reported by Politico.com, is hardly a confidence builder for taxpayers as Mr. Rangel, a Democrat of New York, continues to wield the gavel on the Ways and Means Committee amid the nation’s economic trials. The congressman asked for the inquiry, which is reported to be in subcommittee, after news reports of assorted questionable dealings.
There was a violation of House standards in Mr. Rangel’s using an official letterhead to solicit outside donations for a public service center at City College of New York extolling “inspirational aspects” of his career. An oil executive who obliged with $1 million saw Mr. Rangel help protect an off-shore tax loophole worth tens of millions to the donor. (continues...)
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