Frank Pallone: “A new rule would allow an indicted leader to continue in his position as leader if the indictment comes from a State…”

“A new rule would allow an indicted leader to continue in his position as leader if the indictment comes from a State grand jury. Can my colleagues imagine that? If House Republicans make this rule change, they are condoning unethical behavior at the State level by their own leaders here in the House. The American people should be outraged by this arrogant behavior. Back in 1993, Republicans made the change in their rules to demonstrate to the American people that they were not above the law, that if they ran this House, the American people would not have to worry about ethical problems, that Republicans would hold themselves to a higher standard. Now, however, it appears that higher standard is gone. House Republicans are saying they are willing to stand behind one of their leaders after he is indicted by a State grand jury. It does not matter the charge. The Republicans simply do not care. But I am betting that the American people will care, Mr. Speaker.”