Rangel: I've Asked For 'Leave Of Absence' As Ways And Means Chair

[kpete]

Source: Talking Points Memo

Rangel: I've Asked For 'Leave Of Absence' As Ways And Means Chair
Justin Elliott | March 3, 2010, 8:57AM

Less than a week after the ethics panel found he violated House rules by taking corporate-funded junkets to the Caribbean, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) announced this morning that he has asked Nancy Pelosi for a "leave of absence" from his duties as chair of the Ways and Means Committee, pending completion of various ethics investigations.

Rangel took no questions from the press, but added that "from the very beginning I have offered this to Speaker Pelosi."

The move came just hours before Rangel was expected to face a GOP-sponsored resolution calling for him to give up the the committee chairmanship. Multiple Dems had signaled their support of that effort.

Just last night, after a private meeting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rangel told the press he would stay chair of the committee.

Read more: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/rangel-press-conference-ways-and-means-chair.php?ref=fpa

[Lochloosa]

1. N.Y. Rep. Charles Rangel Steps Down as Ways and Means Chairman

Source: ABC News

New York Democrat Rep. Charlie Rangel stepped down from his post atop the powerful tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee today pending the completion of several ethics investigations into his conduct.

"In the view of the fact that my chairmanship is bringing so much attention to the press, and in order to avoid my colleagues having to defend me during their elections, I have this morning sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi asking her to grant me a leave of absence until such time as the ethics committee completes its work," Rangel told reporters at a press conference.

"I know all of you have a professional obligation to ask questions, but I'm afraid if I went down that road, that it would distract me from what I have to do in terms of completion of the president's health bill as well as making certain that our committee gets a good jobs bill," he said, refusing to answer questions.



Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/WN/rep-charles-rangel-relinquishes-ways-means-chairmanship/story?id=9996907

[FBaggins]

5. Should have left it at one paragraph.

"I'd like to answer your questions, but I'm just too important for that" ???

[LeftHander]

2. What about the travelling Congressman Jim Sencelessbrenner...

He always at the top of the congressional list for most travel expenses.

[Demeter]

3. I am Glad to See Him Go

We need to be better than the GOP, each and every individual.

[yurbud]

6. as long as he is not replaced by a DLCer who tries to compete with GOP in corruption

[classysassy]

4. Traveling companion

When are they going to investigate rep dwyer(r) and his male companion travels?

[FLAprogressive]

7. Let it be permanent, please. He's a disgrace.