Waters decries hearing delay

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., refuting charges of ethics violations, railed against the lack of a hearing date in her case, calling the delay "unacceptable."

As she has since the accusations were brought by the House ethics committee, charging her with violating House rules in 2008, Waters has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, vowing to fight the charges, ABC News reported Friday.

"No benefit, no improper action, no failure to disclose, no one influenced: no case," Waters said.

Waters allegedly brought together executives of OneUnited Bank and the National Bankers Association with Treasury Department officials. Sidney Williams, Waters' husband had investments in OneUnited valued at almost $1 million.

No hearing date has been scheduled and there may not be one for months, ABC said.

"Such a delay is unacceptable," the 72-year-old Waters said.

Waters said the focus should be placed on why she had to fight to get a meeting between the Treasury Department and the National Bankers Association.

"The question at this point should be why a trade association representing over 100 minority banks could not get a meeting at the height of the crisis," she stated.