David Price: “as a member of the Ethics Task Force, I rise today to support the establishment of the Independent Office of…”

“as a member of the Ethics Task Force, I rise today to support the establishment of the Independent Office of Congressional Ethics for the House of Representatives. The 110th Congress, under new leadership, has already adopted a comprehensive package of rules, lobbying, and earmark reforms. Today we can take another positive step by creating the Office of Congressional Ethics. The proposal before us is the result of a year-long effort by the Ethics Task Force ably and fairly led by our distinguished colleague, Mr. Capuano. Some have argued tonight that this proposal takes reform too far, others not far enough. I believe that the office would improve on the current ethics enforcement process in two important ways. First, it will provide a mechanism for a quick and impartial review of potential ethics violations, bypassing the bipartisan conflicts that have bogged down enforcement. Secondly, it will ensure accountability and transparency by requiring reasonable reporting and public disclosure of the activities of the office and the Ethics Committee. A number of changes have been made to strengthen the proposal and address Member concerns. The proposal is not perfect, but it is a move in the right direction. I support H. Res. 895, and I urge my colleagues to do so as well.”