Embattled Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) said today he is taking a leave of absence from his post as chairman of powerful House Ways and Means Committee, in the wake of having been admonished by the Ethics Committee.
Rangel, a House member since 1971 and committee chairman since 2007, was found to have violated House rules by going on a trip paid for by lobbyists. He is also being investigated for failing to disclose income and other violations of House rules.
The Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over a range of tax and health care issues, including whether credit unions keep their tax-exempt status.
CUNA's political action committee has contributed $22,500 to Rangel's campaigns during the last three election cycles and NAFCU's committee has contributed $7,500, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.
