WASHINGTON, April 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. House ethics committee will not open an investigation of retiring Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, and other representatives accused of ethical lapses.
The panel has been gridlocked since January 2005 because of partisan disputes over its rules, staff and procedures. Two members who asked USA Today not to be identified said little else would likely be done as the full House prepares to take up legislation that would revamp the relationships between lobbyists and lawmakers.
DeLay, who announced his retirement plans Tuesday, is the subject of a money-laundering case in his home state of Texas. In addition, two former aides have pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the Jack Abramoff lobbying and corruption scandal.
