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April 20, 2007

Walz wants independent ethics watchdog

Freshmen want to replace Ethics Committee

By Mark Fischenich

Congressman Tim Walz has joined a group of other congressional freshmen in pushing for an independent ethics commission to judge wrongdoing by lawmakers, a commission that would replace the House Ethics Committee.

“I’m uncomfortable with members policing their own members,” said Walz, referring to the existing system.

The new commission would consist of 12 retired members of Congress, six from each of the major political parties. In a twist, the Democratic leader of the House would pick the Republican members of the commission, and the Republican leader would choose the Democrats.

The current House Ethics Committee is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, and the committee was often deadlocked in dealing with ethical complaints as members refused to cross party lines to punish a member of their own party.

Congressman John Kline, whose district includes Le Sueur County, was appointed to the Ethics Committee in January and would lose that oversight duty if the new ethics commission was established. Troy Young, a spokesman for the 2nd District Republican, said Kline had no comment on the merits of setting up an independent commission or on whether the current system is working adequately.

Longtime members of the House are reportedly reluctant to let an outside group make rulings on the ethical conduct of lawmakers, but Walz said the legislation would leave the House with the final decision on whether to punish a member.

The Mankato Democrat also said its crucial Congress deal with ethics reform because Americans have lost faith in their government, particularly after a series of scandals in recent years. Concern about congressional behavior was the only issue during last year’s campaign that matched the Iraq war among 1st District residents, Walz said.

“I think it’s necessary because I’m convinced the fundamental thing that harms our nation is distrust in government,” he said.

While just 10 of the 435 House members have signed on as sponsors, Walz is hopeful the changes will be adopted.

“I’m going to push it,” he said. “So we’ll see if the numbers go up.”

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