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February 28, 2008
The U.S. House of Representatives delayed consideration of an ethics bill today to look at alternative legislation proposed by Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind.
Hill and Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn, introduced the alternate bill, according to Hill's press secretary.
"2006 was a very trying time for Congress," Hill said. "Several members of Congress were accused, admitted, or found guilty of violating House ethics rules, and in some cases, even broke the law. People have lost faith in the government, largely because of these unfortunate instances. We must clean up Congress and prove to the American people that we are serious about enforcing the highest standards of conduct."
The Hill-Wamp proposal would establish the House Ethics Commission, an independent ethics body made up of 12 appointees. The 12 appointees would consist of three current Democratic members of the House, three former Democratic members, three current Republican members and three former Republican members.
The six Democratic members would be appointed by the House Republican leader and, in turn, the six Republican members would be selected by the House Democratic leader. Members would be required to serve a minimum of one two-year term and no more than six years.
The commission would solely retain the power to investigate ethics complaints, subpoena appropriate persons and issue recommendations to the full House regarding their findings and a suggested penalty for ethical infractions by members. The House would be required to hold a straight up or down vote on the commission's findings.
"We need to make sure reported ethics violations are investigated thoroughly and receive the time and attention they warrant," Hill said. "And, this bill would do just that. If members are serious about enacting real ethics reform, I would encourage them to support this proposal."
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