Rangel Probe Reaches a Two-Year Milestone

It has been 729 days since Rep. Charlie Rangel publicly appealed for an ethics investigation into his own actions. He’s still awaiting the outcome.

The New York Democrat, who has paid more than $1.5 million to date on legal fees, faces a multipronged investigation into his personal finances, living arrangements, fundraising efforts and even his use of a House parking space.

The investigation into Rangel, begun in July 2008, has yet to set a House record for longevity. But Congressional ethics observers acknowledge that nearly two years is nonetheless a lengthy inquiry.

The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, also known as the ethics committee, declined a request for comment, and it is not known whether the highly secretive panel will release a final report.

Read more: (Jennifer Yachnin, “Rangel Probe Reaches a Two-Year Milestone,” Roll Call, 07/15/2010)