U.S. Rep. Mike Capuano was asked to serve on the House Committee on Ethics, and the Democratic Caucus approved that recommendation last week.
This committee oversees all matters related to the Code of Official Conduct for House Members and their staff. It is the only House committee composed equally of Democratic and Republican Members.
“It is my honor to accept this new assignment on the House Ethics Committee,” Capuano said. “I will approach all aspects of this responsibility with care and diligence.”
In 2007, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed Rep. Capuano Chairman of the Special Task Force on Ethics Enforcement. That bipartisan task force was charged with exploring the establishment of an independent ethics enforcement entity.
In March of 2008, Capuano’s resolution establishing the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) passed, involving non-Members of the House in ethics matters for the first time in history.
When Capuano was Mayor of Somerville, he authored the state’s first locally-based ethics ordinance, requiring the City’s elected officials and certain appointed officials to complete detailed statements of financial interest.
Capuano is also a member of the House Committee on Transportation and the House Committee on Financial Services.