Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a resolution that adopts H. Res. 895, which establishes an Office of Congressional Ethics within the House of Representatives.

Highlights:

• States that the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) shall be governed by a board of six individuals, three of whom are appointed by the Speaker of the House and three of whom are appointed by the Minority Leader.

• Specifies that the OCE board members may not be current lobbyists, members of the House of Representatives, or officers or employees of the federal government.

• States that the OCE board shall conduct preliminary investigations of any alleged violations by members, officers, or employees of the House of Representatives for up to 30 days, and then either vote to terminate the investigation or begin a second-phase investigation.

• Specifies that a preliminary investigation must be requested by at least one board member who was appointed by the Speaker of the House and at least one board member who was appointed by the Minority Leader.

• States that after a second-phase investigation is completed, the OCE board shall report to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct with a recommendation for dismissal of the alleged violation, a statement that the matter is unresolved because of a tie vote, or a recommendation for further investigation, with suggestions for any subpoenas to be issued.

• Specifies that if the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct continues to investigate the matter, the OCE board's findings and reports shall be made public after the conclusion of the investigation, but if the Committee dismisses the allegation, the OCE board's findings and reports are not required to be made public.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text