Common Cause, a government watchdog group, is warning lawmakers not to interpret a recent ruling from a House panel against Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) as evidence that the Congressional ethics system works.
“While Mr. Rangel has been embarrassed, and his campaign treasury depleted, the House has again demonstrated its inability to efficiently but fairly police itself,” a statement from Common Cause reads.
The organization cited the months that took place between the announcement of the charges and the hearing as evidence that Congress needs a better policing method.
Common Cause added that it would be a mistake for Republican lawmakers to avoid closing down the recently created Office of Congressional Ethics, an independent body that was not involved with the Rangel trial, since depending on the Ethics Committee alone will be insufficient.
“Its departure virtually ensures that future allegations of Congressional misconduct will be handled with the same clumsiness and partisanship that has marked the Rangel affair,” the statement reads.