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March 4, 2010

Rangel Takes Leave as Ways and Means Chair
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On Capitol Hill, Democratic Congress member Charles Rangel of New York
has announced he’s taking a leave of absence from his post as chair of
the House Ways and Means Committee. The move comes days after the House
Ethics Committee faulted Rangel for accepting corporate-sponsored trips
to the Caribbean. On Wednesday, Rangel said he was temporarily stepping
aside to avoid becoming a liability amidst the healthcare reform push
and ahead of the November mid-term elections.

Rep. Charles Rangel: “In order to avoid my colleagues having to defend
me during their elections, I have this morning sent a letter to Speaker
Pelosi asking her to grant me a leave of absence until such time as the
Ethics Committee completes its work.”



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