House Ethics Poised for Rare Televised Trial on Cherfilus-McCormick

The **House Ethics Committee**, formally known as the Committee on Ethics, is a pivotal bipartisan entity within the U.S. House of Representatives. Established on April 13, 1967, its primary role is to ensure ethical conduct among House members and employees. The committee is unique in its composition, with equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans, emphasizing its commitment to impartiality[1][3]. ### Key Functions: - **Investigations and Enforcement**: The committee investigates allegations of misconduct, including financial disclosures, gifts, and outside income, and recommends disciplinary actions such as censure or expulsion[1][2]. - **Advisory Role**: It provides guidance and ethics training to House members, officers, and employees, helping them navigate potential ethical dilemmas[3][6]. - **Financial Disclosure Review**: The committee reviews financial disclosure statements filed by members, candidates, and senior staff[3][6]. ### History and Evolution: The committee was established in response to a need for structured ethical governance following several high-profile misconduct cases. Over the years, it has evolved to address changing ethical standards and legislative requirements[1][8]. ### Current Status: As of the 118th Congress (2023–2024), the committee consists of 10 members, with its chair coming from the majority party. It continues to play a crucial role in maintaining legislative integrity[1][3]. ### Notable Aspects: - **Bipartisan Structure**: The committee's even party split ensures impartiality in its operations[3][4]. - **Nonpartisan Staff**: The committee's staff is nonpartisan, further emphasizing its commitment to impartial investigations and advice[1][3]. - **Criminal Referrals**: The committee has the authority to refer criminal findings to law enforcement agencies, reinforcing its role in upholding legal standards[1]. In summary, the House Ethics Committee is a vital component of the U.S. legislative system, ensuring ethical conduct and maintaining public trust in the House

The **United States House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol**, commonly known as the **Jan. 6 Committee**, was a congressional panel formed to probe the violent assault on the Capitol during the 2020 election certification.[1][3][6] Established on June 30, 2021, by a 222-190 House vote after Senate Republicans blocked a bipartisan independent commission modeled on the 9/11 panel, it comprised seven Democrats chaired by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), plus Republicans Liz Cheney (vice chair) and Adam Kinzinger—appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi after GOP leader Kevin McCarthy withdrew nominees.[3][4][6] Its core mission: uncover facts, causes, and responses to the "domestic terrorist attack," including law enforcement failures, extremist roles, election subversion efforts, and prevention strategies.[3][6] Over 18 months, the committee reviewed 2.5 million documents, conducted 1,200+ interviews, and held public hearings revealing a coordinated scheme by former President Donald Trump to overturn his election loss—spreading fraud claims, pressuring officials, creating fake electors, and directing the rally that fueled the riot.[3][5] **Key achievements** included an 845-page final report (December 2022) blaming Trump as the "central cause," criminal referrals against him and aides for obstruction and insurrection, plus a historical record exposing security lapses like inadequate Capitol Police training.[5][7] Hearings drew massive viewership, shaping public understanding akin to the bestselling 9/11 report.[2] By early 2023, the committee dissolved per its term, with transcripts archived on govinfo.gov.[7] As of 2026, it remains defunct amid partisan divides—praised as a "roadmap to justice" by supporters, derided as a "political hit job" by critics.[4][5][8] Its legac

**ABSCAM was not a business or technology organization but a notorious FBI undercover sting operation (1978–1980) targeting political corruption, named after the fake company "Abdul Enterprises, Ltd." (shortened to ABSCAM).** It exposed bribery among U.S. officials through agents posing as wealthy Middle Eastern sheikhs offering cash for political favors.[1][2][3] Launched in 1978 to investigate stolen art and fake securities in New York, the operation pivoted when con man Melvin Weinberg—recruited by the FBI—connected agents to politicians seeking casino licenses and immigration aid in Atlantic City and beyond.[2][5][7] Undercover meetings in hotel rooms, yachts, and mansions were secretly videotaped, capturing officials like Rep. Michael Myers (D-PA) accepting bribes—Myers became the first congressman expelled since 1861.[4][5] Key achievements included targeting 31 individuals, securing convictions of seven congressmen, one senator, and others (totaling 12 for bribery and conspiracy), marking the FBI's first major political corruption sting—only 10 prior congressional bribe convictions existed.[1][2][4] Revelations broke in early 1980, shocking the public and fueling cynicism toward Congress.[4][6] The scandal sparked backlash: critics accused the FBI of entrapment, prompting 1981 Attorney General guidelines restricting undercover tactics and congressional hearings on oversight.[2][5] It influenced pop culture, inspiring the 2013 Oscar-nominated film *American Hustle*.[1][5] Today, ABSCAM stands as a landmark in U.S. law enforcement history, demonstrating the power—and perils—of stings, with no ongoing operations. Its legacy endures in debates over federal investigative ethics, reminding business and tech readers of corruption's reach into policy arenas like gambling and immigration.[3][7] (298 words)