As a new session of Congress begins Tuesday, Republicans have already unveiled plans to change how Capitol ethics complaints can be independently investigated. One measure tucked into House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy's, R-Calif., proposed House Rules package would impose limits on the non-partisan Office of Congressional Ethics.
The proposal comes as the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) — which independently vets and refers misconduct allegations to the House Ethics Committee — faces calls to investigate Congress members who may have participated Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. The GOP's rule would muzzle the OCE's staffing and investigative authority, treating the office as a standing House Committee. The rule also directs the House Ethics Committee to begin accepting complaints from the public directly, potentially offering lawmakers an end-run around the OCE.
