November 16, 2010

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Findings by House Standards Committee Against Congressman Rangel

(WASHINGTON, DC)– Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6), Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Financial Services Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade released the following statement today in regards to the findings by the Standards Committee against Congressman Rangel:

“I am disappointed by the findings by the Standards Committee against Charlie Rangel, who is an American patriot and long-time dedicated public servant; however, it is important to note the statement of the Committee’s attorneys that no evidence has been presented implicating Mr. Rangel of corruption, nor was he charged with being corrupt or accepting bribes.

“Furthermore, I am disturbed that the Standards Committee proceeded to its conclusions without affording Mr. Rangel the fundamental right to make his case with counsel present.  In the name of expediency, the Committee has sacrificed the constitutional rights of a Member of Congress who has defended the Constitution for decades.  In light of his fifty years of public service, Charlie Rangel deserves, at a minimum, the opportunity to present a full and zealous defense.  It is a fundamental tenet of our American values that an accused is afforded the right to counsel.  It is unfortunate that Mr. Rangel’s call for an expeditious hearing was heeded at a time when he lacked counsel to defend himself.”

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