GOP Rep: Ethics complaints "need to be aired in public" after secret, anonymous, closed-doors vote
WASHINGTON ― As one of their first actions in the new Congress, House Republicans are planning to significantly change the Office of Congressional Ethics, removing the entitys independence, barring it from investigating anonymous complaints and even changing the groups name.
The vote took place in secret, by anonymous ballot and behind closed doors, so its not possible to know which representatives approved of the measure. But a number of Republicans take issue with OCE investigating anonymous tips and have been looking for a way to ensure that accusers of wrongdoing must attach their name to a complaint.
It needs to be aired in the public, Rep. Tom Rice (R-S.C.) said.
Asked if that would deter people from making complaints, Rice agreed it was a double-edged sword, but said it was too easy to put forth baseless claims with no responsibility.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/house-office-congressional-ethics-rules_us_586b00e0e4b0d9a5945c34c6?vepm1jwijg7mpwrk9