Rangel Welcomes Ethics Inquiry

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.) said yesterday that he would welcome an ethics committee investigation into his fundraising efforts for an academic center that bears his name.

“I will be calling for it to be expedited so that I can get on with my work,” said Rangel, who has scheduled a 10 a.m. news conference today to address the controversy.

Rangel has written letters on congressional stationery and has sought meetings to ask for corporate and foundation contributions for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at City College of New York. Some of those he has approached have business interests before his committee, which has broad jurisdiction over tax and trade matters.

Read more: (Christopher Lee, “Rangel Says He Welcomes Ethics Inquiry on Fundraising,” The Washington Post, 7/17/08)