Proposed US HOUSE: Outside groups will be allowed to file ethics complaints

[L. Coyote]

Democrats Plan Vote on New Rules Opening Ethics Process to Outsiders
By Susan Ferrechio | 10:45 AM; Jun. 07, 2007
http://www.cqpolitics.com/2007/06/democrats_plan_vote_on_new_rul.html

With the indictment of Rep. William J. Jefferson throwing a spotlight on congressional behavior, House Democrats will try next week to change the chamber’s rules to let outsiders file ethics complaints.

The House will be asked to scrap a rule that gave only fellow members the power to file complaints about wrongdoing, and at the same time will be asked to create an outside ethics commission to assess the merit of such allegations.

“I think it is going to get broad-based support,” said Michael E. Capuano, D-Mass., who headed a task force that devised the ethics plan.

Capuano described the proposal to rank-and-file Democrats at a closed-door caucus meeting Wednesday.

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., said afterward that he has yet to discuss the proposal with Republicans. .....................

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Outside groups will be allowed to file ethics complaints under proposed ethics changes. Resistance expected, of course.
Submitted by crew on 7 June 2007 - 4:34pm. Ethics reform
http://www.citizensforethics.org/node/28727

It's looking more likely that the House of Representatives will take up a new rule that would allow outside groups, like CREW, to file ethics complaints. In addition, an independent panel would be created to review, but not decide, ethics complaints. Both would be steps in the right direction. Both will meet stiff resistance from within the House

[Nikki Stone1]

1. Oh God. Wait for the conservative PACS to use this against the Dems

Not a good idea.

[L. Coyote]

2. If you have nothing to hide .....

[Nikki Stone1]

3. Bullshit. Little things, innocent things, can be blown out of proportion on both sides

Somebody gets a box of candy from a lobbyist and that can be made into a major scandal.

90,000 in a freezer, ok. But, it will become a nitpicking fest, courtesy of PACs on both sides. Just wait.

[L. Coyote]

4. Don't take a box of candy froma lobbyist. Period.

The foxes were guarding the hen house for four/six years. Give the poultry a fair chance. Support the Dems.