Politics & Government
Elizabeth Warren Blasts Republicans 'Gutting' Ethics Office
"Who, exactly, thinks that the problem with Washington is that we have too many rules requiring the gov to act ethically?"
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren unleashed a firestorm of criticism following news Monday night that Republicans in the House have moved to limit the powers of an independent ethics office, putting more power in lawmakers' hands.
Although top Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, have said they oppose curtailing the office's powers, Warren was speaking to the entire "@GOP," as she tweeted: "Tell us, (GOP): Who, exactly, thinks that the problem with Washington is that we have too many rules requiring the (government) to act ethically?"
Warren made parallels to President-elect Donald Trump, tweeting:
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.@realDonaldTrump still hasn’t announced plans for his business empire while falsely claiming the President can’t have conflicts.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 3, 2017
Trump’s cabinet of billionaires & CEOs have ignored gov ethics rules & dragged their feet on FBI background checks & financial disclosures.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 3, 2017
And now the @HouseGOP is gutting its ethics office in the middle of the night – hours before the new Congress is sworn in.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 3, 2017
The New York Times reports, "The move by Republicans would take away both power and independence from an investigative body, and give lawmakers more control over internal inquiries."
On Twitter, Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., defended the decision.
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"Rules (amendment) approved by House GOP strengthens Office of (Congressional) Ethics & improves upon due process rights. Does nothing to impede OCE’s work," he tweeted.
The full House will vote Tuesday on the rules.
Image via CSPAN
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