Tuesday, February 26, 2008

House Ethics Task Force Proposal Likely To Get Vote Soon

The House is expected to vote soon on the recommendation to create an independent office to consider ethics complaints made against lawmakers. The task force, led by Representative Michael Capuano (D-MA), was created last year as part of the House's overall effort to reform House ethics standards. Many expect passage of the measure that will set up the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), a panel of six board members appointed by the House speaker and the minority leader, with current members and lobbyists ineligible to serve. The body will review alleged ethics violations and then refer matters for further investigation or other action to the House ethics committee.

According to the New York Times; "Inquiries could be started by two members, and the panel would have up to 30 days to conduct a preliminary investigation. At the end of that time, the panel could vote to end the investigation. If a second phase is agreed upon, it could take up to 45 additional days before a required referral to the ethics committee. The report to the panel could recommend no further action, more inquiry or simply provide the facts of the case."