“Presumption of innocence rule” more aptly named the “party protection act”

Statement by Common Cause President Chellie Pingree on proposed rules change reportedly still in play that would allow House ethics complaints to die from inaction.

The majority calls this the “protection of innocence” rule. It should be called the ‘party protection act,’ since no Member of Congress will ever be investigated as long as Members vote along party lines. If the parties enforce discipline, no ethics complaint will ever see the light of day.