House Ethics Committee

Ethics Committee: Two House Members Under Investigation, One Cleared

Rachel Slajda | October 29, 2009, 6:16PM

Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA) , Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO)

The House Ethics Committee announced today it is launching full investigations into the actions of two House members, and clearing a third of any wrongdoing.

One of those being investigated is Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA). Waters allegedly set up a meeting between the Treasury Department and a bank which her husband held stock in and whose board he had served on. The bank later received bailout funds.

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Orly Taitz

Judge Dismisses Taitz Birther Suit

Rachel Slajda | October 29, 2009, 1:52PM

Orly Taitz

A U.S. District Court judge has dismissed one of Orly Taitz's birther lawsuits, saying it would be unconstitutional for the courts to "effectively overthrow a sitting president."

In his ruling, Judge David O. Carter said the plaintiffs, represented by Taitz, had asked the courts to go outside their constitutional power by demanding President Obama produce further documentation proving he was born in the United States, and if he couldn't, shutting down the federal government and holding an election.

"Plaintiffs have attacked the judiciary, including every prior court that has dismissed their claim, as unpatriotic and even treasonous for refusing to grant their requests and for adhering to the terms of the Constitution which set forth its jurisdiction," Carter wrote. "Respecting the constitutional role and jurisdiction of this Court is not unpatriotic."

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