Civilian Appointees Take An Active Role In House Ethics Enforcement

WASHINGTON (AHN) -- The appointment of private citizens to the new Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) means that for the first time in the history of the House civilians will take an active role in the ethics enforcement process.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Leader John Boehner announced joint appointments on Thursday to the OCE board.

The OCE is intended to supplement the work of the Ethics Committee and congressional leaders expect the two bodies to work together effectively.

"The new Office of Congressional Ethics is essential to an effective ethics process in the House," said Pelosi. "This bipartisan board of outside experts who will be charged with reviewing allegations of misconduct and making recommendations to the House Ethics Committee. With the creation of the Office of Congressional Ethics, we bring a new element of transparency and accountability to the ethics process."

"I am pleased that this distinguished group of individuals has agreed to serve," said Boehner. "The American people have every right to expect the highest ethical standards in the people's House - and these widely respected men and women should be applauded for the considerable personal sacrifices they are making to help achieve that important goal."

OCE board members are equally divided among Democrats and Republicans, with each party having three members and one alternate. The eight members of the board are:

-- Former Congressman David Skaggs, D-Colo., Chairman

-- Former CIA Director and former Congressman Porter J. Goss, R-Fla, Co-Chairman

-- Former Congresswoman Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, D-Calif.

-- Former House Chief Administrative officer Jay Eagen

-- Former Congresswoman Karan English, D-Ariz.

-- George Mason University Law Professor and former chief of staff of Federal Election Commission, Allison Hayward

-- Former Federal Judge and former Congressman Abner Mikva, D-Ill., Alternate

-- Former Congressman Bill Frenzel, R-Minn., Alternate