The House Ethics Committee disclosed Monday a unanimous decision to open an investigation into whether Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., used her office to benefit her physician husband's financial interests.
The ethics investigation was sparked by a September 2011 New York Times story that details Berkley's multiple legislative efforts that have simultaneously benefited her husband, nephrologist Larry Lehrner. For example, Berkley led a successful effort to prevent the closing of Nevada's lone kidney-transplant program where her husband's practice directs medical services.
"We are pleased with the committee's decision to conduct a full and fair investigation, which will ensure all the facts are reviewed," said Jessica Mackler, Berkley's campaign manager, in a statement. "We are confident that ultimately it will be clear that Congresswoman Berkley's one and only concern was for the health and well-being of Nevada's patients."
The independent Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), which reviews allegations of misconduct, referred the matter to the Ethics Committee earlier this year, but the panel deferred on the inquiry until after Nevada's June primary.
In a statement released Monday, the Ethics Committee cited the OCE report as well as the panel's preliminary "discretionary review of the allegations" as cause for the investigation. The panel's 10 members — five Republicans and five Democrats — all voted to move forward with the investigation. Five of the past six OCE referrals have not triggered investigative committees.
Texas Rep. Mike Conaway, a Republican, and Maryland Rep. Donna Edwards, a Democrat, will chair the investigation.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2012-07-09/berkley-ethics-probe/56117736/1
LOL
Another democrat under investigation, I am shocked.
The ethics investigation was sparked by a September 2011 New York Times story that details Berkley's multiple legislative efforts that have simultaneously benefited her husband, nephrologist Larry Lehrner. For example, Berkley led a successful effort to prevent the closing of Nevada's lone kidney-transplant program where her husband's practice directs medical services.
"We are pleased with the committee's decision to conduct a full and fair investigation, which will ensure all the facts are reviewed," said Jessica Mackler, Berkley's campaign manager, in a statement. "We are confident that ultimately it will be clear that Congresswoman Berkley's one and only concern was for the health and well-being of Nevada's patients."
The independent Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), which reviews allegations of misconduct, referred the matter to the Ethics Committee earlier this year, but the panel deferred on the inquiry until after Nevada's June primary.
In a statement released Monday, the Ethics Committee cited the OCE report as well as the panel's preliminary "discretionary review of the allegations" as cause for the investigation. The panel's 10 members — five Republicans and five Democrats — all voted to move forward with the investigation. Five of the past six OCE referrals have not triggered investigative committees.
Texas Rep. Mike Conaway, a Republican, and Maryland Rep. Donna Edwards, a Democrat, will chair the investigation.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2012-07-09/berkley-ethics-probe/56117736/1
LOL
Another democrat under investigation, I am shocked.