House Rule Change Makes Ethics Probes Harder

It looks to this observer like Republicans have pulled a bait and switch regarding ethics rules in the last 24 hours. First they vote to reinstate rules barring indicted members from serving in leadership.

Today, the GOP controlled House of Representatives voted 220-195 along party lines to greatly restrict the ability of the House to investigate members of Congress. This paragraph from the Reuters story summarizes the new rule:

"Five members of each party serve on the House ethics panel and under the current system, a tie vote would launch an ethics probe. Under the new rule, a tie or failure to make a decision within 45 days would mean no action would be taken."

Is it any wonder why so many Americans no longer trust Congress to operate in an honorable fashion?