Tue Sep 9, 2008 5:19pm EDT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Republican leaders on Tuesday called on New York Democrat Charles Rangel to step down as chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee pending a House investigation of possible ethical breaches.
In a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Republican leaders questioned Rangel's ability to lead the committee after his lawyer revealed last week that he failed to report $100,000 of income from a villa he owns in the Dominican Republic.
Rangel, who has represented New York City's Harlem district for 38 years, plans to hold a news conference on Wednesday to discuss the tax filing error and to answer the Republican letter, an aide said.
Last week his attorney, Lanny Davis, told reporters that Rangel plans to file an amendment to his previous tax returns and likely has no federal tax liability on the investment.
"Given Chairman Rangel's continuing ethical lapses, he cannot effectively carry out his duties as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee," said the letter signed by House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio and other Republican leaders.
The letter also took a broad swipe at the Democratic-led Congress, accusing its leaders of failing to advance legislation to encourage more domestic oil production.
Pelosi spokesman Nadeam Elshami accused Republicans of playing politics and trying to divert public attention from financing scandals that have hurt the Republican party.
"The American people would be better served if Republicans would stop playing politics and allow the bipartisan Ethics Committee to do its job," he said in a statement.
Rangel's finances have been under scrutiny since July, when the New York Times reported that the lawmaker lived in multiple reduced-rent apartments provided under a plan to preserve affordable housing in New York City.
Rangel defended his right to maintain those below-market rentals, but agreed to give up one office that he used for campaign activities.
Rangel has asked for a congressional ethics inquiry on that matter and was considering requesting a similar review of his Dominican property, Davis told reporters last week.
(Reporting by Donna Smith, editing by Vicki Allen)
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0932536420080909?sp=true