"Working families across America are struggling in today's economy, and they need to have confidence that the individual in charge of the House's tax-writing panel is following the laws the committee is charged with crafting and overseeing.  It is improper for Rep. Rangel to remain in a position with such vast power and influence while serious questions about his official conduct continue to multiply and go unanswered.  Several weeks ago I wrote a letter to Rep. Rangel asking him to step aside while the Ethics Committee conducts its investigation.  He has not done so, and his fellow Democrats have voted to protect him every step of the way.

"When Democrats took the majority, Speaker Pelosi promised the most 'open and ethical' Congress in history.  Given the nature and severity of the charges against Rep. Rangel, I would urge all my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, to do the right thing and support the Carter resolution next week."