Hoyer takes neutral stance on Rangel ethics inquiry

Deirdre Walsh
CNN Congressional Producer

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Tuesday that it is up to Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel of New York to decide whether to resign over pending ethics allegations.

"Mr. Rangel has to do what Mr. Rangel believes is appropriate and proper," Hoyer said, taking a neutral stance instead of offering support for the 20-term veteran of the House Democratic caucus that Hoyer leads.

Rangel said Tuesday that he wouldn't talk about whether there is a settlement in the works to head off Thursday's hearing by the House ethics committee, which will make public a report of Rangel's alleged violations of House rules. In brief comments to reporters, Rangel confirmed that his lawyers were talking with lawyers for the ethics committee.

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