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Dems tell Jefferson to leave committee

WASHINGTON, June 15 (UPI) -- The Democratic Caucus in the U.S. House voted Thursday to remove Rep. William Jefferson from a powerful committee until a bribery investigation is resolved.

If the Louisiana Democrat refuses to leave the Ways and Means Committee, removal would involve a vote on the House floor, something both Jefferson's enemies and allies want to avoid, The Washington Post reported.

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There have been no criminal charges yet against Jefferson, although a former aide and a business associate have pleaded guilty. FBI agents found money hidden in Jefferson's freezer and also raided his office on Capitol Hill, enraging leaders on both sides of the aisle.

"I'm just going to go to my office," Jefferson said after the 99 to 58 vote. "I'm just going to wait and see."

Most of Jefferson's support came from the Congressional Black Caucus, where members feel he has been singled out because of his race.

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