WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement tonight in support of H. Res. 451, a resolution directing the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to respond to the indictment of or the filing of charges of criminal conduct against a House Member by empaneling an investigative subcommittee to review the allegations, or if the Committee does not empanel an investigative subcommittee to submit a report to the House describing why it has declined to do so:

“The Members of this House must recognize the unique trust the American people have placed in us, and we must embrace our obligation to ensure the highest integrity of this institution and our legislative process.

“That is precisely what the legislation now before us is intended to do.

“In short, this bill provides that when a member of this House is indicted or otherwise formally charged with criminal conduct that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct shall not later than 30 days after the date of such indictment or charge empanel an investigative subcommittee to review the allegations, or, if the committee does not empanel an investigative subcommittee to review the allegations, submit a report to the House describing the reasons for not empaneling such an investigative subcommittee, together with the actions, if any, the Committee has taken in response to the allegations.

“This legislation responds not only to the case involving Congressman Jefferson, but also to all future cases where a Members is indicted or formally charged.

“The Members of this House will ensure the integrity of this House when we conduct ourselves openly and honestly, and hold accountable those who fail to abide by the rules and highest ethical standards.

“The new Democratic Majority is absolutely committed to ensuring the highest integrity.”

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