On the recordDecember 9, 2010
On Tuesday, I introduced a privileged resolution that calls for a bipartisan task force to investigate the disciplinary action taken against two professional staff members of the Ethics Committee. Since then, I have had a chance to speak with dozens of Members regarding concerns about the ethics process and the impact it has on this institution. Regardless of region or political ideology, they all agreed that we must take every opportunity we can to improve the ethics process and, by extension, increase the faith of the American people in our ability to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. We now have such an opportunity. There have been press reports of misconduct by the committee attorneys responsible for handling my case, which has been with the committee for almost 1 rac{1}{2} ext{ years}. Although we do not know the circumstances surrounding their conduct nor the disciplinary action taken against them, we can all agree, as Majority Leader Hoyer stated last week, that the developments are 'troubling.' To be sure, this issue is of great concern to me. However, after talking to Members, I have confirmed that it is also of great concern to you--my colleagues and friends--because the issue of transparency and fairness in the ethics process is one that transcends any individual.
