Bob Inglis was one of those Congressmen who publicly called on Representative Charles Rangel to give up his gavel. The chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday morning said he’d take temporary leave.
Rep. Inglis says, “The rules are the rules and the House needs to enforce thsoe rules and surely the chairman of the tax writing committee needs to be expected to fill out his tax returns accurately, and his personal disclosure forms.”
Inglis signed onto legislation demanding that the 20-term Congressman step aside while the House ethics panel expanded its investigation into his Caribbean trips, assets and income, tax reporting, and use of rent-controlled apartments in New York.
“How can the public have confidence in the Congress if it doesn’t police itself,” he asks.
Inglis supported Republican-backed legislation forcing Rangel to step down. That bill was to be introduced in Congress late Wednesday. Rangel instead agreed to take a temporary leave of absence while he is under investigation. Inglis says its not about party, but about rules of the House.
Inglis says, “That’s what I said about Joe [Wilson's] situation. The rules are the rules and should be applied regardless of one’s party affiliation. I said that about Joe who is a Republican and what I am saying about Chairman Rangel, who is a Democrat, is let’s work to restore confidence in Congress.”
