House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) called again for Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-New York) to step down as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee until the House Special Ethics Subcommittee completes its investigation that was announced today:
"Today, the House Ethics Committee created a special subcommittee to fully investigate the numerous charges against Chairman Rangel, charges that he has admitted are true. As chairman of one of the most powerful committees in the House and the committee tasked with writing our nation's tax laws, the numerous charges against Chairman Rangel raise serious questions about his ability to carry out his official duties in an unbiased manner.
"At the very least, he should step aside as committee chairman until the outcome of this investigation has come to a final conclusion. And if Rep. Rangel is not willing to relinquish his gavel, it is incumbent on majority's leadership to abide by their own promises of cleaning up Washington by calling on him to step down."