mt.~. - house committee on ethics iv_0.pdft!,ouse of l\epresentatibes committee on ethics for...

$: mt.~. - House Committee on Ethics IV_0.pdfT!,ouse of l\epresentatibes COMMITTEE ON ETHICS FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt Thomas A. Rust Staff Director and Chief Counsel Donna Herbert Director$

Susan W. Brooks, Indiana Chairwoman

Theodore E. Deutch, Florida Ranking Member

Patri ck Meehan, Pennsylvania Trey Gowdy, South Carolina

Kenny Marchant, Texas Leonard Lance, New Jersey

Yvette D. Clarke, New York Jared Poli s, Colorado

Anthony Brown, Mary land Steve Cohen, Tennessee

ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

mt.~. T!)ouse of l\epresentattbes COMMITTEE ON ETHICS

Thomas A. Rust Staff Director and Chief Co11nsel

Donna Herbert Director of Administration

Sheria A. Clarke Counsel to the Chairwoman

Daniel J. Taylor Co11nsel to the Ranking Member

IO 15 Longworth House Offi ce Building Washington, D.C. 205 15- 6328

Telephone: (202) 225- 7 103 Facs imile: (202) 225- 7392

FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt March 23, 2017

STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRWOMAN AND RANKING MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON ETIDCS REGARDING

REPRESENTATIVE DUNCAN HUNTER

Pursuant to Committee Rule 7(g), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics (Committee) determined on March 23 , 2017, to release the following statement:

On August 31 , 2016, the Committee on Ethics received a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) regarding Representative Duncan Hunter. Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 3(b)(8)(A) and Committee Rules 17A(b)(l)(A), 17A(c)(l) and 17A(i), the Chairman and Ranking Member jointly decided on December 15, 2016 to extend the Committee' s review of the matter.

The Department of Justice has asked the Committee to defer consideration of this matter and the Committee, following precedent, unanimously voted on March 22, 2017, to defer consideration of this matter at this time. Pursuant to Committee Rule 17 A(h)(l ), the Committee is making the OCE's Report in this matter public. Under that rule, when the Committee votes to defer in this manner, it must release the Report, but not the Findings, along with a public statement announcing its deferral. At least annually, the Committee will make a public statement if it continues to defer taking action on the matter. The Committee notes that the mere fact of its decision to defer action on this matter, and any mandatory disclosure of that decision and the OCE's Report, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.

###

Susan W. Brooks, Indiana

Chainvo111a11 Theodore E. Deutch, Florida

Ranking Member

Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Trey Gowdy, South Carolina


Yvette D. Clarke, New York Jared Polis, Colorado

Anthony Brown, Maryland Steve Cohen, Tennessee


mt.�. f!,ouse of l\epresentatibes

COMMITTEE ON ETHICS

FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt

Thomas A. Rust Staf

f

Director and Chief Counsel


Sheria A. Clarke Counsel to the Chairwoman

Daniel J. Taylor Counsel lo the Ranking Member

IO 15 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-6328

Telephone: (202) 225-7103 Facsimile: (202) 225-7392

April 6, 2017

STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRWOMAN AND RANKING MEMBER

OF THE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS REGARDING

REPRESENTATIVE DEVIN NUNES

Pursuant to Committee Rule 7(g), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the

Committee on Ethics (Committee) determined to release the following statement:

The Committee is aware of public allegations that Representative Devin Nunes may have

made unauthorized disclosures of classified information, in violation of House Rules, law,

regulations, or other standards of conduct. The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), is

investigating and gathering more information regarding these allegations.

The Committee has determined to investigate these allegations in order to fulfill its

institutional obligation, under House Rule X, clause 1 l(g)(4), to investigate ce1iain allegations of

unauthorized disclosures of classified information, and to determine if there has been any violation

of the Code of Official Conduct under House Rule XXIII, clause 13. The Committee notes that

the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not

itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee.

In order to comply with Committee Rule 7 regarding confidentiality, out of fairness to all

respondents, and to assure the integrity of its work, the Committee will refrain from making further

public statements on this matter pending completion of its initial review.

###

Susan W. Brooks, Indiana Chairwo111a11


Patrick Meehan, Pennsy lvania Trey Gowdy, South Carolina

Kenny Marchant , Texas Leonard Lance, New Jersey




mt.~. T!,ouse of l\epresentatibes COMMITTEE ON ETHICS


Thomas A. Rust Staff Director and Chief Counsel


Sheria A. Clarke Counsel to the Chainvoman

Danie l J. Taylor Co 1111sel to the Ranking Member

IO 15 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 205 15- 6328

Telephone: (202) 225- 7103 Facsimile: (202) 225- 7392

June 26, 2017

STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRWOMAN AND RANKING MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS REGARDING

REPRESENTATIVE JOHN CONYERS, JR.

Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 3(b)(8)(A), and Committee Rules 17A(b)(l)(A) and 17 A(c)(l), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Conunittee on Ethics (Committee) have jointly decided to extend the matter regarding Representative John Conyers, Jr. which was transmitted to the Committee by the Office of Congressional Ethics on May 11 , 2017.

The Committee notes that the mere fact of a referral or an extension, and the mandatory disclosure of such an extension and the name of the subject of the matter, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee.

The Committee will announce its course of action in this matter on or before Wednesday, August 9, 2017 .

Susan W. Brooks, Indiana Chainvo111a11

Theodore E. Deutch, Florida Ra11ki11g Member







Thomas A. Rust Sta.ff Director and Clt iefCou11sel

Donna Herbert Director of Ad111inistrarion

Sheria A. Clarke Counsel to tlte Cha invo111an

Danie l J. Taylor Counsel to tlte Ranking Me111ber


Telephone: (202) 225- 7 103 Facsimile: (202) 225- 7392

FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt June 26, 2017


REPRESENTATIVE BEN RAY LUJA.N

Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 3(b)(8)(A), and Committee Rules 17A(b)(l)(A) and 17 A( c )( 1 ), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics (Committee) have jointly decided to extend the matter regarding Representative Ben Ray Lujan, which was transmitted to the Committee by the Office of Congressional Ethics on May 11 , 2017.

The Committee notes that the mere fact of a refe1Tal or an extension, and the mandatory disclosure of such an extension and the name of the subject of the matter, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee.

The Committee will announce its course of action in this matter on or before Wednesday, August 9, 2017.

Susan W. Brooks, Indiana Chairwo111a11


Patri ck Meehan, Pennsylvania Trey Gowdy, South Carolina







Thomas A. Rust Staff Di rec/Or and Chief Counsel


Sheria A. Clarke Counsel lo the Chainvoman

Daniel J. Taylor Counsel to the Ranking Member



June 26, 2017


MICHAEL COLLINS

Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 3(b)(8)(A), and Committee Rules 17A(b)(l)(A) and 17 A( c )(1 ), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics (Committee) have jointly decided to extend the matter regarding Michael Collins, which was transmitted to the Committee by the Office of Congressional Ethics on May 11, 2017.

The Committee notes that the mere fact of a referral or an extension, and the mandatory disclosure of such an extension and the name of the subject of the matter, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee.

The Committee will announce its course of action in this matter on or before Wednesday, August 9, 2017.


Chainvoma11 Theodore E. Dcutch, Florida

Ranking Member


Kenny Marchant. Texas Leonard Lance, ew Jersey




ml.$. f!,ouse of l\epresentatibes

COMMITTEE ON ETHICS


Thomas A. Rust Staff Director and Chie/Co11nse/


Megan Savage Chief of Staff and Counsel to

the Chairwoman


1015 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515---6328


August 9, 2017



REPRESENTATIVE JOHN CONYERS, JR.

Pursuant to Committee Rule 7(g), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee

on Ethics (Committee) determined on August 9, 2017, to release the following statement:

On May 11, 2017, the Committee on Ethics received a referral from the Office of

Congressional Ethics (OCE) regarding Representative John Conyers, Jr. Pursuant to House Rule

XI, clause 3(b)(8)(A) and Committee Rules 17 A(b)(l)(A) and 17 A(c)(l), the Chairwoman and

Ranking Member jointly decided on June 26, 2017, to extend the Committee's review of the

matter. In order to gather additional information necessary to complete its review, the Committee

will review the matter pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a). The Committee notes that the mere fact

of conducting further review of a referral, and any mandatory disclosure of such further review,

does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the

Committee.




Pursuant to Committee Rule 17 A, the Committee hereby publishes OCE's Report and

Findings relating to allegations against Representative Conyers, and Representative Conyers'

response to OCE's Report and Findings.

###


Chairwoman Theodore E. Deutch, Florida

Ranking Member






It.�. T!,ouse of l\epresentattbes

COMMITTEE ON ETHICS




Megan Savage Chief of Staf

f

and Counsel to the Chairwoman




August 9, 2017



MICHAEL COLLINS

Pursuant to Committee Rule 7(g), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee

on Ethics (Committee) determined on August 9, 2017, to release the following statement:

On May 11, 2017, the Committee on Ethics received a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) regarding Mr. Michael Collins. Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 3(b)(8)(A) and Committee Rules 17A(b)(l)(A) and 17A(c)(l), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member jointly decided on June 26, 2017, to extend the Committee's review of the matter. In order to gather additional information necessary to complete its review, the Committee will review the matter pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a). The Committee notes that the mere fact of

conducting further review of a referral, and any mandatory disclosure of such further review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee.




Pursuant to Committee Rule 17 A, the Committee hereby publishes OCE's Report and

Findings relating to allegations against Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins' response to OCE's Report

and Findings.

###


Clzai1wo111a11

Theodore E. Deutch, Florida

Ranking Member






mt.�. 1!,ouse of l\epresentatibes

COMMITTEE ON ETHICS


Thomas A. Rust Staff Director and Chief Co1111sel


Megan Savage ChiefofStajfa11d Co1111sel to

the Chairwoman




October 12, 2017



REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS COLLINS

Pursuant to Committee Rule 7(g), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics (Committee) determined on October 12, 2017, to release the following statement:

On July 14, 2017, the Committee received a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) regarding Representative Chris Collins. Pursuant to House Rule XI,

clause 3(b)(8)(A) and Committee Rules 17A(b)(l)(A) and 17A(c)(l), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member jointly decided on August 28, 2017, to extend the Committee's review of the matter. In order to gather additional information necessary to complete its review, the Committee will review the matter pursuant to Committee Rule l 8(a). The Committee notes that the mere fact of conducting further review of a refenal, and any mandatory disclosure of such fmiher review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee.


respondents, and to assure the integrity of its work, the Committee will refrain from making further public statements on this matter pending completion of its initial review.

Pursuant to Committee Rule 17 A, the Committee hereby publishes OCE's Report and Findings relating to allegations against Representative Collins, and Representative Collins's response to OCE's Report and Findings.

###


Theodore E. Deutch , Florida Ra11ki11g Member

Kenny Marchant , Texas Leonard Lance, New Jersey

Mimi Walters, California John Ratcliffe, Texas




~.~. T!,ouse of l\epresentatibes COMMITTEE ON ETHICS


Thomas A. Rust S1aj]Director and Chie.fC01111sel

Donna Herbert Direcror of Ad111inistm1ion

Megan Savage Chief of Srajf and Counsel ro

rhe ChairH·o111an

Daniel J. Taylor Counsel ro /he Ranking Member

IO 15 Longworth House Office Bu ilding Washington, D.C. 20515- 6328

Telephone: (202) 225- 7 103 Facs imile: (202) 225- 7392

February 27, 2018


REPRESENTATIVE PA TRICK MEEHAN

Pursuant to Committee Rule 7(g), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics (Committee) determined to release the following statement:

In accordance with House Rule XI, clause 3, and Committee Rules 1 O(a)(2) and 18, the Committee unanimously voted on February 27, 2018, to establish an Investigative Subcommittee. Pursuant to the Conm1ittee ' s action, the Investigative Subcommittee shall have jurisdiction to determine whether Representative Patrick Meehan and/or his former Chief of Staff, Mr. Brian Schubert, who is currently employed by another House office, engaged in conduct that constitutes sexual harassment, retaliation, or misuse of official resources, in violation of House Rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct.

The Committee notes that the mere fact of establishing an Investigative Subcommittee does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.

The Committee will announce the Members who will serve on the Investigative Subcommittee in the next week. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules.

###

Susan W. Brooks, Indiana Cliainl'o111a11

Theodore E. Deutch , Florida Ra11ki11g Member

Kenny Marchant , Texas Leonard Lance, ew Jersey

Mimi Walters, California John Ratcliffe, Texas




ml.$. T!,ouse of l\epresentattbes COMMITTEE ON ETHICS

Thomas A. Rust Staff Director and Chie.fCounse/

Donna Herbert Director o.f Ad111inistratio11

Megan Savage Chief o.f Staff and Counsel to

the Clw invoman


IO 15 Longworth House Office Bui lding Washington, D.C. 2051 5- 6328

Telephone: (202) 225- 7103 Facsimile: (202) 225- 7392

FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt September 4, 2018

ST A TEMENT OF THE CHAIRWOMAN AND RANKING MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS REGARDING

REPRESENTATIVE ROD BLUM

Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 3(b )(8)(A), and Committee Rules 17 A(b )(1 )(A), 17 A( c )(1) and 17 AU), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics have jointly decided to extend the matter regarding Representative Rod Blum, which was transmitted to the Committee by the Office of Congressional Ethics on July 19, 2018.

The Committee notes that the mere fact of a referral or an extension, and the mandatory disclosure of such an extension and the name of the subject of the matter, does not itself indicate that any violation has occuned, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee.

The Committee will announce its course of action in this matter on or before December 17, 2018.

###

Susan W. Brooks, Indiana Chairll'o111a11



Mi111i Walters, California John Ratcliffe, Texas




ml.$. T!,ouse of l\epresentatibes COMMITTEE ON ETHICS


Tho111as A. Rust Sra_UDirecror and Chief Counsel

Donna Herbert Direcror of Adminisrrarion

Megan Savage Chief ofSraff and Counsel lo

rhe Chairwoman

Daniel J. Taylor Counsel ro the Ranking Member

IO 15 Longworth House Office Bui lding Washington, D.C. 205 15- 6328

Telephone: (202) 225- 7 103 Facsi111ile: (202) 225- 7392

September 6, 2018


REPRESENTATIVE CHRISTOPHER COLLINS

On October 12, 2017, the Committee on Ethics ("Committee") a1mounced that it was reviewing allegations referred by the Office of Congressional Ethics ("OCE") regarding Representative Christopher Collins. The Committee published OCE' s referral at that time. Subsequently, on August 8, 2018, Representative Collins was indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud , and false statements stemming from allegations separate from those already under review by the Committee. Pursuant to Committee Rule 18( e )(2), within 3 0 days of a Member being indicted or otherwise formally charged with criminal conduct, the Committee shall either establish an Investigative Subcommittee ("ISC") or report to the House describing its reasons for not establishing an ISC.

In accordance with House Rule XI, clause 3, and Committee Rules 10(a)(2) and 18(e)(2), and following Committee precedent, the Committee unanimously voted on September 6, 2018 , to establish an ISC. Pursuant to the Committee's action, the ISC shall have jurisdiction to determine whether Representative Collins violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties or the discharge of his responsibilities, with respect to allegations that he engaged in unlawful conspiracy, securities fraud , and wire fraud ; purchased discount stock that was not available to the public; took official actions on behalf of a company in which he had a significant financial interest; and made false statements to , withheld information from, or otherwise misled federal investigators.

The Honorable Mimi Walters will serve as the Chairwoman of the ISC, and the Honorable Theodore E. Deutch will serve as the Ranking Member. The other two members of the ISC are the Honorable Randy Hultgren and the Honorable Jared Polis.

The Department of Justice has requested that the Committee defer consideration of the matters in the ISC's jurisdiction. The Committee, again following precedent, unanimously recommended to the ISC that it defer action on its investigation at this time. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules .

###

'\




Mimi Walters, Ca li fornia John Ratcli ffe , Texas


Anthony Brown, Mary land Steve Cohen, Tennessee


m.~. f!,ousr of l\rprrsrntatibrs COMMITTEE ON ETHICS



Megan Savage Chief of Staff a11d Counsel to

the Chairwoman


IO 15 Longwo11h House Office Building Washington, D. C. 205 15- 6328


FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt September 6, 2018


REPRESENTATIVE DUNCAN HUNTER

On March 23 , 2017, the Committee on Ethics ("Committee") announced that it was reviewing allegations referred by the Office of Congressional Ethics ("OCE") regarding Representative Duncan Hunter. The Committee also announced that because the Department of Justice ("DOJ' ') had asked the Committee to defer its consideration of the matter, the Committee had followed precedent and voted unanimously to defer its review at that time. Accordingly, pursuant to Committee Rule 17 A(h)(l), the Committee made OCE's Report, but not its Findings, public at that time. On March 23 , 2018, the Committee announced that it was continuing to defer its consideration of the matter at the request of DOJ.

Subsequently, on August 21 , 2018, Representative Hunter was indicted on federal charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, falsifying campaign finance records, prohibited use of campaign contributions, and false statements. Pursuant to Committee Rule l 8(e)(2), within 30 days of a Member being indicted or otherwise formally charged with criminal conduct, the Committee shall either establish an Investigative Subcommittee ("ISC") or report to the House describing its reasons for not establishing an ISC.

In accordance with House Rule XI, clause 3, and Committee Rules 10(a)(2) and 18(e)(2), and following Committee precedent, the Committee unanimously voted on September 6, 2018, to establish an ISC. Pursuant to the Committee ' s action, the ISC shall have jurisdiction to determine whether Representative Duncan Hunter violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties or the discharge or-J1is responsibi11ties, witfi respect to allegatfons tnat he engagea in unlawful conspiracy, fraua, falsification of campaign finance records, and prohibited use of campaign contributions.

The Honorable Leonard Lance will serve as the Chairman of the ISC, and the Honorable Anthony Brown will serve as the Ranking Member. The other two members of the ISC are the Honorable John Katko and the Honorable Joaquin Castro.

DOJ has requested that the Committee defer consideration of the matters in the ISC's jurisdiction. The Committee, again following precedent, unanimously recommended to the ISC

that it defer action on its investigation at this time. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules.

###




Mimi Walters, Cali forn ia John Ratcliffe, Texas




It.$. 1!,ouse of l\epresentatibes COMMITTEE ON ETHICS


Thomas A. Rust Staff Director and Chief Co1111sel


Megan Savage Chief of Staff and Counsel to

the Chairwoman

Daniel J. Tay lor Counsel to the Ranking Member

!01 5 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 2051 5- 6328

Telephone: (202) 225- 7103 Facs imile: (202) 225- 7392

December 17, 2018


REPRESENTATIVE ROD BLUM

Pursuant to Committee Rule 7(g) , the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics (Committee) determined on December 17, 2018 , to release the following statement:

On July 19, 2018 , the Committee received a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) regarding Representative Rod Blum. Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 3(b)(8)(A) and Committee Rule 17 A(b)(l)(A), 17 A(c)(l), and 17 AU), the Chairwoman and Ranking Member jointly decided on September 4, 2018, to extend the Committee' s review of the matter. In order to gather additional information necessary to complete its review, the Committee will further review the matter pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a). The Committee notes that the mere fact of conducting further review of a referral , and any mandatory disclosure of such fu1iher review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee.

In order to comply with Committee Rule 7 regarding confidentiality, out of fairness to all respondents, and to assure the integrity of its work, the Committee will refrain from making further public statements on this matter pending completion of its initial review.

Pursuant to Committee Rule 17A, the Committee hereby publishes OCE' s Report and Findings relating to allegations against Representative Blum, and Representative Blum' s submission to the Committee.

###

mt.~. - house committee on ethics iv_0.pdft!,ouse of l\epresentatibes committee on ethics for...

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