WASHINGTON – Congressman Adam Putnam (R-FL), Chairman of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement on today’s resolution regarding Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY):

“As evidenced by today’s vote, the ‘new direction’ House Democrats steadfastly refuse to hold Congressman Rangel accountable for his actions. Given the opportunity to fulfill her promise to make this the ‘most open’ and ‘most honest’ Congress in history, Speaker Pelosi has instead chosen to stay the course and demonstrate her loyalty to an ethically challenged lieutenant.

“Multiple newspaper editorial boards – including that of The New York Times – have come to the obvious conclusion that Congressman Rangel cannot continue to serve as the House’s top tax-writer after having admitted to running afoul of federal tax law on several occasions. Why haven’t Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats?”