Dems Block Move to Oust Rangel From Tax Post

House Republicans failed today for a third time to oust Charles Rangel as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee—but they kept the spotlight on his ethical problems. Instead of removing him, the House voted 246-153 along mostly partisan lines to refer the GOP resolution to the House ethics committee. That panel already is investigating Rangel for a slew of potential violations, including failure to disclose rental income.

Before the vote, Texas Republican John Carter read the nine-page resolution aloud as Rangel listened without much expression, notes the Washington Post. Then the House clerk read it again. A GOP spokesman said the attempt to remove Rangel "highlights the Democrats' broken promises" for an open and ethical Congress. (More Charles Rangel stories.)