July 10, 2012

It seems that the Republican-led House of Representatives has been ruling with an iron fist when it comes to ethical matters of it’s members. Not to say making sure Members of Congress are compliant with Ethics Rules is a bad thing (essentially thats why we have the rules), but it does seem to be a coincidence that as of lately the investigations have been with minority or women members.

Late Monday,  the Committee on Ethics announced that they would be launching an investigation into Rep. Shelley Berkley’s (D-NV) affairs. The conflict arises from Berkley’s advocacy in keeping a Kidney Transplant Center in her district open. What’s the problem with that, aren’t representatives supposed to advocate for those types of causes, you ask? Yes they are, but ethical questions arise when your husband is a doctor who has contracts with the facility. The fact that her own family had a financial interest could potentially be a violation.

This news couldn’t come at a better time for Berkley who is  looking to leave the House and go over to the Senate.   She will be on the November ballot, in hopes of winning the vacant Nevada Senate seat. In interviews today, Berkley stated that she “welcomed the investigation”, presumably letting the public know she has nothing to hide. “I’m very, very optimistic and convinced that once there is a full and fair investigation that there will be no question in anybody’s mind that my only concern was for the health and well-being of the people of Nevada,” Berkley said. Her efforts where not independent, the entrie Nevada delegation worked to keep this particular Transplant Center open.

Democratic members such as Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Congressman Charles Rangel have been on the chopping block in more recent times for ethics concerns. Waters allegations also dealt with her husband’s financial interest in a bank she advocated for but as of now no merit as to the allegations has been found. Rangel on the other hand was found “guilty” of his ethics violations but in spite of, he won his primary; now lets hope it works out for him in November as well.

What are your thoughts, are they advocating for the people or looking out for their own interests? Spill the beans below…