Boehner seeks ethics guidance from Pelosi

[babylonsister]

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/boehner-presses-pelosi-on-ethics-deadline-2007-03-15.html

Boehner presses Pelosi on ethics deadline
By Jackie Kucinich
March 15, 2007
As an important ethics deadline looms, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) Thursday to express concern that members on both sides of the aisle have not received proper guidance on how to follow new earmark rules contained in the Democratic ethics package passed earlier this year.

“Today is the deadline for Members to submit earmark requests to the Committee on Appropriations,” Boehner said. “Regrettably, more than two months following adoption by the House of changes to House Rules concerning earmark requests, Members seeking to comply have been provided no official guidance interpreting key elements of the new rule.”

Boehner said members have expressed concern about provisions dealing with “financial interests” and are unsure what official actions would trigger certain ethics restrictions.

According to House ethics rules, members must submit in writing that neither the member nor his or her spouse has a financial interest in the earmark requested by the lawmaker.

“The failure of the ethics committee to provide essential guidance to Members in a timely manner has placed Members seeking to advocate for much needed funds in a dangerous and untenable position, “ Boehner said. “I hope you will agree with me that this situation is completely unacceptable, and will take whatever steps are necessary to rectify it.”

Pelosi’s office did not immediately respond to request for comment.

[robinlynne]

1. yeah. earmarks. That's number one on the country's agenda!

[ncteechur]

2. Memorandum from N. Pelosi

To: John Boenher
From: N. Pelosi
Date: -------
RE: Earmarks


Dear Rep. Boenher,

With respect to ethics earmarks, tell your republican members to:

1. Don't take money from lobbyists.
2. Don't accept defense contract bribes.
3. Don't screw around with the pages.
4. Don't do anything else illegal.

Got it? Good.

Have a nice day!