Perhaps the “good old boys” network of the GOP is beginning to crack at the seams. Normally, Republicans close ranks when one of their own is in trouble, but it looks like it may be a curtain call for Donald Trump’s earliest supporter in the House, and he has no other allies to turn to.
In a statement obtained by DC Tribune early Wednesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan called on the Ethics Committee to launch an investigation into indicted Congressman Chris Collins of New York, who turned himself in to the FBI Wednesday morning on charges of securities fraud. Ryan made clear what his priorities are for being held to account — calling insider trading a “clear violation of the public trust” — when it comes to legal trouble.
One wonders why Paul Ryan has not called for ethics investigations into crimes committed by his colleagues that don’t involve ripping off his investor pals.
The statement reads:
While his guilt or innocence is a question for the courts to settle, the allegations against Rep. Collins demand a prompt and thorough investigation by the House Ethics Committee. Insider trading is a clear violation of the public trust. Until this matter is settled, Rep. Collins will not be serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.“
That last sentence has to hurt the most for Collins, however: Being stripped of committee assignments in Congress almost invariably means you will never hold another prominent seat inside the House again, regardless of the outcome of any investigation. Once a member is removed from a committee assignment, other members of the committees will frequently express discomfort at the prospect of the Congress member doing something that would lead to yet another investigation.
No word yet from Donald Trump, who used Collins on his presidential transition team just a few months before he entangled himself in the stock fraud scheme.
Featured image via screen capture
