June 06, 2006

Rangel's Cuba Trip Raises Ethics Questions

N.Y. Rep. Charles Rangel is in violation of House ethics rules for faulty disclosure on travel forms related to the 2002 trip he took to Cuba accompanied by his wife and son, ostensibly to raise awareness for endangered birds.

He originally listed the Minneapolis based Sian Ka'an Conservation Foundation as the sponsor for the "education and fact finding" trip. It turns out the trip was actually funded by the Cuban government. All the travelers were flown round-trip on the private plane of Catsimatidis, chairman and chief executive of Gristede's Foods, and according to media reports, a top fundraiser for the Clinton Presidential Library.

After an inquiry by the Center for Public Integrity, Rangel amended his travel disclosure form and reimbursed the Cuban government and Catsimatidis for his son's expenses, which are not allowable under house rules. They only allow coverage for one accompanying relative.

Rangel, a 35-year veteran of Congress was apparently ignorant of the law and erred in the interpretation of the House rules. According to the congressman's chief of staff, George Dalley "The most important thing is that Rangel corrected the mistake he made."

According to the Center, Rangel could still be in violation of ethics rules if he has not filed the form that the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act requires members to submit when they accept gifts or payment of travel expenses from a foreign government.

The Center's article also provides insight into the politics and personalities of a well-connected group of New Yorkers and their "fondness" for Cuba. Read it here.


H/T to WHPW

Posted by Ziva at June 6, 2006 03:15 PM

Comments

Seems to me that Rangel has been ethically challenged all his public life. "Oops! I didn't know, after 35 years on the job! Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk! I goofed!"

R i i i i i ght!

Posted by: benning [TypeKey Profile Page] at June 6, 2006 08:03 PM

"...Fugazy's hopes of treating Cuban children in U.S. hospitals were dashed; Taglione said Castro suggested that American children be sent to Cuba instead."

Posted by: barrocas [TypeKey Profile Page] at June 6, 2006 10:12 PM

Rangel is such a Cuban agent!

Posted by: mandingo [TypeKey Profile Page] at June 7, 2006 12:01 AM


You have reached an old version of a post at BabaluBlog.com, probably because a search engine referred you or you followed an old link. If you'd like to view this post at its new home you can do so by clicking here and searching for the post on our new site. Tip: Take note of the date of this post and use our calendar feature to find it in its new home.