Scandal-plagued Jefferson kept off Ways and Means

[deadparrot]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Democrats, insistent that they will hold lawmakers to higher standards, decided Tuesday that Rep. William Jefferson will not return to an influential committee until a federal corruption investigation involving him is completed.

Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi said the Democratic Steering Committee had resolved that Jefferson, who last Saturday won a runoff election in his New Orleans district, will not be given back his spot on the Ways and Means Committee, the panel that determines tax and trade policies.

The Steering Committee also announced new panel assignments for the next session. The full Democratic Caucus must still vote on those decisions.

At Pelosi's urging, the House last June stripped Jefferson of his committee assignment because of the corruption investigation that included an FBI document asserting that agents had found $90,000 in bribe money in the Louisiana Democrat's freezer.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/12/12/jefferson.assignment.ap/index.html?eref=yahoo

[Captain Hilts]

1. EXCELLENT! nt

[rpannier]

2. Good. nt

[rodeodance]

3. great to see this.

[Monkeyman]

4. She Not Playing around here

Right wing on the swamp Chicago Tribune tried to spin the story. Nope not again you will not swiftboat no one

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. Well done.

[solara]

6. Bravo! Once again Pelosi makes good on her word.

May Investigation and accountability continue to be non-partisan.

[catabryna]

7. Glad to hear it!

Even if he is eventually exonerated, he should understand that, at this point in time, his not being in his powerful position is in the best interest of his party. We can not run on a platform of cleaning up if we aren't going to stay true to our word. I feel for him if he's not guilty, but most of us understand the gravity of this situation and I think he needs to understand that, as well.

[classysassy]

8. Maybe

Mr.Jefferson, should switch parties,the republicans protect their crooks.