Jul 31, 2008 6:38 pm US/Eastern
House GOP Attempt To Censure Rangel Fails
Harlem Congressman Says Move Nothing More Than Ploy To Bring Attention To The Election
Move Tabled After 24 Republicans Vote With Democrats
WASHINGTON (CBS) ―
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Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel has been under intense scrutiny in the past month for his use of four rent-stabilized apartments in a Harlem building. (File)
CBS
There was a stunning power play on Capitol Hill late Thursday afternoon.
House Republicans tried to publically reprimand Congressman Charles Rangel, D-Harlem, for his controversial use of four rent-stabilized apartments.
There was a lot of drama and bluster on the floor of the House Thursday, but in the end Rep. Rangel dodged the bullet. He gave an emotional and scathing speech to those who would try to tarnish his reputation.
"There is no one in this House that is more thick-skinned than I am in terms of playing politics," Rangel said. "But playing with someone's reputation, especially someone that has felt so honored to serve in this House, I really think goes a step beyond."
Rangel was offended to his very core, furious that Republicans were trying to attack his credibility, his very honor, by claiming he did something wrong by having four rent-stabilized apartments in a tony Harlem building.
"There's no need for even mean-spirited people in the minority to say I'm a discredit to the Congress," Rangel said.
Republicans tried to have the powerful chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee censured – publicly reprimanded – over the apartment issue.
"Representative Charles B. Rangel has dishonored himself and brought discredit to the House and merits censure to the House for the same …," came the call from the floor.
That was meant with boos from all over the chamber.
Power does have privilege, and Rangel was given the opportunity to speak for up to an hour. He chose not to, but did passionately defend himself.
"I've never felt more secure that I violated no laws or the spirit of the law," Rangel said.
The move to censure Rangel was tabled. The Republicans lost as 24 voted with the Democrats.
Afterwards, Rangel told CBS 2 HD the whole thing was politically motivated.
"I'm just surprised they feel it's so important that they bring down an officer of the Congress in order to get some attention toward the election," Rangel said by phone. "It's really sad that they would feel that insecure."
Rangel has already asked the House Ethics Committee to look into the apartment issue, and also his use of House stationery to ask for donations for a college program named after him.
The Congressman told CBS 2 HD he is so sure he has done nothing wrong he hasn't even hired a lawyer.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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