Technology Slice Blog

Rangel Censure Debate Continues - The House engaged in an emotional debate over the censure resolution against one of its longest-serving members, Rep. Charlie Rangel, the final chapter in a long-running scandal that has severely tarnished the reputation of the New York Democrat. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the House ethics committee, read a lengthy list of violations committed by Rangel, who was the subject of a two-year ethics investigation into his personal finances. Rangel, a Korean War vet and member since 1970, was found guilty of 11 ethics violations on Nov. 16. The scene on the House floor was a solemn one, as Rangel stood in the front of the House to hear the charges against him. Many lawmakers paid close attention to the proceedings, and a series of Rangel defenders came to the floor to defend him after the charges were read. An effort to change the punishment from censure to a reprimand — a lesser punishment – failed on a 146-267 vote. Rangel only gav...