Freshman Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.), who last month announced he was “profoundly sorry” for his “extremely irresponsible choice,” will face an investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding his misdemeanor charge of cocaine possession. Radel pleaded guilty to the charge.
Fox News’ Chad Pergram has more.
The Ethics Committee voted unanimously to start the formal inquiry into Radel’s conviction.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 16, 2013
What happens now is the Ethics panel creates an “investigative subcommittee" to investigate Radel Rep Charlie Dent (R-PA) will chair.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 16, 2013
Other mbrs taking part in the Ethics Cmte investigation of Radel include Yvette Clarke, Marsha Blackburn & Janice Hahn.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 16, 2013
Prior to Radel, ast lawmaker convicted on drug charges was Rep. Frederick Richmond (D-NY) in 1982. Convicted on a marijuana charge.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 16, 2013
Ethics Cmte will see if Radel violated a"standard of conduct in the performance of his duties or the discharge of his responsibilities."
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 16, 2013
Ethics Cmte probe could come down hard on Radel, making it hard to continue to serve. Radel now on leave from Congress.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 16, 2013
The investigative subcommittee chaired by Dent would either determine if Radel deserves punishment by the House or exonerate him.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 16, 2013
Ethics Cmte could fine Radel. It could also fine him…and recommend recommend punishment…ranging from a reprimand…to censure to expulsion.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 16, 2013
When it comes to formal House punishment, the House has expelled 5 members over the years, censured 23 and reprimanded another 9.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 16, 2013
As Hot Air’s Mary Katharine Ham noted last month, Radel is a co-sponsor of a bill to give judges discretion on mandatory minimums.
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